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J     o     U     R     N     A  --fe 

"      OF     THE 

■    L....  T.Av»s.  and  L.BOui:!- 
\  ^,„^^  „,  «s  MIHISTRV. 


o    ?    ' 


t  O  H  N     G  R  1  ^  ^ 

.  ■       '    ■     Essex,   in  Great  B^-tA.n, 


k 


py   J  O  S  E  P  H   C  R  U J  S  H  ^^.^,.ft,,,„. 


A  Testimony  from  the  Monthly- 
Meeting  of  WiTHAM,  in  Essex, 

CONCERNING 

JOHN    GRIFFITH,    dec, 

TH  E  charafter  of  this  our  well  beloved 
Friend  being  fo  generally  known,  we 
eiteem  it  unneceflary  to  extend  our  Teftimo- 
ny  concerning  him,  further  than  the  time 
of  his  arrival  and  refidence  amongft  us. 

In  the  year  1747,  being  a  ntember  of  the 
monthly-meeting  of  Darby,  Chefter-coun- 
ty,   in  Pennfylvania,    he  was  concerned  to 
vifit;  the  churches  in  Great-Britain  and  Ire- 
land ;  during  which  engagement  his  mind 
^as  imprefTed  with  appehenfion  of  duty  to 
fettle  in  this  nation  ;  the  importance  where- 
of was  attended  with  earneft   fupplication 
to  the  Lord,  that  he  might  be  rightly  di- 
reded  therein ;  and,  after  deliberate  confide- 
ration,  finding  the  expediency  of  his  remo- 
val clearly  confirmed,    he  returned  to  Ame- 
rica, where,  having  fettled  his  affairj^  with 
the  concurrence  of  his  brethren,  he  removed 
to  England;    and  entering  into  marriage- 
covenant  with  Frances  Wyatt,  of  Chelmf- 
|ford,   became  a  member  of  this  meeting  - 
Wherein,  we  trufl,  the  fruits  of  his  Ikbour 
Ifford   fubftantial  evidence  of  able  talents 
|iithfully  applied.  Few  were  his  companions 
'  aloufly  concerned  for   the  reftoration    of 

>d  order,   which  rendered  the  taflc  more 
us;    yet  in  regard  to  the  exercife  of 

difcipline. 


dirciplinc,  compared  with  the  fet^  in  wiiicii 
lie  found  it,  confiderabie  regulation  hath 
been  effected.  . 

His  gift  was  eminently  adapted  to  fervice: 
in   miniftry  found,    powerful, _   and  cleat; 
in  difcipline,  diligent  and  judicious ;  fearch- 
ino-  impartially  into  the  caufes  whence  the 
circulation  of  life    was    obftruded,    which 
operative  care,  difturbing  the   falfe  reft  of 
lukewarm   profelTors,    hath,  at  times,    ct- 
cited  theirfteleafure;  yet  being  mercifully 
preferved  frSn  the  fpots   of  the  world,  and 
endued  with  authority  to  fpeak  feehngly  to 
the  ftates  of  his  hearers,  in  him  that  proverb 
was    remarkably  verified,  "  \¥hen  a  man  s 
"  ways    pleafe  the    Lord,  he  nlaketh  even 
"  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him. 

In   doubtful  cafes,  he  manifefted  an  ex- 
emplary tendernefs  and  forbearance,  parti- 
cularly refpeaing  fuch  as  appeared  preflimp- 
tuous   in  launching  into  religious   engage- 
ments above  their  qualification,  being  dif- 
pofedto  afford  full  opportunity  for  trial; 
obferving,  upon  thefe  occafions,  it  would  be 
moft  acceptable,  that  deluded  pcrfons  per- 
ceived their  error  by  its  effeds :  but  when 
thorou-hly  convinced  of  unfoundnefs,    he 
faithfully  difcharged  the  duty  of  an  elder, 
in  the  application  of  plain-aeahng,  which, 
indeed,  was  his  pecuhar  talent ;  jct  fo  tem. 
pered  with  difcretion,  both  in  mmiftry  an 
difcipline,    that  we  believe  few  have  fil''" 
thefe  important  ftations  with  more  gt 
..H-obation:  nor  were  his  amiable  qu 
'  connu' 


THE 


JOURNAL 


O    F 


* 


JOHN    GRIFflTR 


IT"  hath  been  much  upon  my  mind 
(efpecially  of  late)  to  write  fomething 
by  way  of  journal,  of  my  life,  travels,  and 
experience  in  the  gracious  and  merciful 
dealings  of  the  Lord  with  me,  through  the 
Courfe  of  my  pilgrimage  in  this  world ;  to- 
gether with  fome  remarks  on  the  ftate  of 
our  fociety  in  my  time,  interfperfed  with 
divers  obfervations  relating  to  our  condudl, 
in  various  ftations  of  life,  but  chiefly  in  a 
religious  fenfe ;  to  remain,  when  my  body 
is  laid  in  the  duft,  a  lading  memorial  and 
teflimony  to  the  truth.  And  as  the  Lord 
fhall  be  pleafed  to  open  my  underftanding, 
I  may  alfo  afford  profitable  way-marks  to 
fome  weary  travellers^,   who  are-  feeking  a 


2  The    JOURNAL;  of 

city  that  hath  foundations,  whofe  buildei 
and  maker  is'lEod. 

I  was  born  on  the  21  ft  day  of  the  5th 
month,  1713,  in  Radnorfliire,  South  Wales; 
being  favoured  with  parents  who  had'  th"e 
fubftance  of  reUgion  in  themfelves,  and 
were  confcientioufly  concerned  to  train 
up  their  children  in  the  fear  of  God» 
The  names  of  my  parents  were  John 
and  Amy  GriiEth;  my  mother  (as  I  re- 
member) was  educated  in  fociety  with  the 
people  called  Quakers,  and  a  fteady  valua- 
ble friend  flie  was ;  having  at  times,  a  few 
words,  byway  of  teftimony,  tenderly  to  drop 
in  religious  meetings,  which  were  accept- 
able to  friends.  My  father,  as  I  have  heard 
him  relate,  was  convinced  of  the  blelTed 
truth  after  he  had  arived  to  man's  eftate, 
and  found  it  a  great  crofs  to  join  in  fociety 
with  the  defpifed  Quakers;  he  being  the 
only  one  of  the  family,  which  was  pretty 
large,  that  joined  in  fociety  with  that  peo- 
ple. But  the  Lord  making  hard  things 
eafy  to  him,  he  gave  up,  in  earneft,  to 
the  heavenly  difcoveries,  and,  in  procefs 
of  time,  had  a  difpenfation  of  the  gofpel 
of  peace  and  falvation  committed  to  him; 
wherein  he  laboured,  in  the  parts  where 
he  lived,  with  remarkable  fincerity  and  up- 
rightnels ;  being  indeed  a  truly  living  mi- 
nifter,  and  an  heavenly-minaed  man,  as  I 
well  remember,  though  I  left  him  when  I 
^was  young,  and  never  faw  J;xim  again.    He 

finilhed 


JOHN   GRIFFITH.  3 

feillied  hiscourfein  this  world,  on  the  24th 
of  the  2d  month,  in  the  year  1745;  it  is 
added  in  the  regifter  oi  ehe  Rionthly-meetiug 
to  which  he  beloifged,.  thus,  viz.  ^^He  wsls  a 
**  minifter  R?iany  years,  and  left  a  good  report 
**  behind  him  among  all  forts  of  people,'' 
He  was  a  Serviceable  inftrnnient  in  the  Lord's 
hand  againfl  imdtre  liberties,,  whicb  were 
then  creeping  in;;  and  wass  Tery.  deeply 
affedted  with  the  declining  fbtte  of  Ac 
church  in  thofe  parts  (many  havinig  remo- 
Ted  to  America)  which  feoe  has  deceaic 
are  become  almaft  a  defolatioii. 

Having  thus  paid  a  linal!  tribute^  ^hicli 
I  thought  due,,  to  the  memory  af  isy  wartliy 
parents,  I  fliall  proceed  ta  give  aa  accoimt 
of  my  fslf, 

I  was  fav-onred  with  the  Iieart-meltisg 
dictations  of  God*s  love,  I  tlsielz^  when 
about  ieven  or  eight  years  eld;  tmd  fre- 
quently experienced  his  name  to  be  ia  the 
ailemblies  of  his  people  as  pi^ecioBS  oint- 
ment poi^red  forth;  whereby  xnj  defiies 
were  greatly  raifed  to  attend  naeetiags  for 
divine  worlhip.  For  alchoughj^  like  Sinned 
of  old,,  I  was  as  yet  imacqoainte'd  with  the 
voice  of  God,  neither  did  I  clearly  "onder- 
ftand  from  whence  that  precious  conibla- 
tion,  which  I  felt,  came;  yet,  I  well  re- 
member ibmething  working  powerfully  ia 
my  tender  w(^!c  mind,  by  way  of  oppoiition 
to  that  fweet  heavenly  enjoymei^t,  in  order 
to  deprive  me  thereof,  by  prefeutixsg  to  my 

B  A  lew 


4  The    JOURNAL    of 

view  fome  tranfitory  delight,  and  by  filling 
my  mind  with  vain  unprofitable,  and  fome- 
times  wicked  and  blafphemons  thoughts, 
which  were  a  very  great  afHidlion  to  me. 
Then  he,  who  was  a  liar  from  the  begin- 
ning, would  fuggefl  to  my  weak  mind,  that 
the  only  way  to  get  over  fuch  uneafinefs, 
was  to  give  way  to  thofe  thoughts,  and  to 
be  utterly  regardlefs  of  what  pafTed  through 
my  mind.  I  found  the  flefh  wanted  eafe, 
and,  to  fave  its  felf,  willingly  joined  here- 
in with  the  temptations  of  Satan,  whereby 
I  got  a  kind  of  prefent  eafe ;  but  it  was  by 
fuch  gratifications  fts  tended  to  beap  up 
w^rath  againft  the  day  of  wrath,  and  the  re- 
velation of  the  righteous  judgments  of  God. 
So  that,  notwithibinding  the  falfe  eafe  con- 
trived by  my  foul's  enemy,  I  did,  at  times, 
very  fenfibly  feel,  as  I  grew  up,  this  peace 
difturbed  and  broken  by  a  fenfe  of  God's 
wrath,  revealed  from  heaven  againft  my  un- 
rig hteoufnefs  ;  and  great  bitternefs  of  fpirit 
I  was  often  in,  when  the  chaftening  of  the 
Lord  was  upon  me  for  fin.  I  vv^ould,  at,, 
fuch  times,  enter  into  covenant  with  the 
Lord,  promifing  amendment ;  but  as  thofe 
promifes  were  made  much  in  my  own  will, 
they  were  foon  broken,  and  that  would  in- 
creafe  the  weight  of  my  horror  and  dif- 
trefs:  the  Lord,  in  infinite  mercy,  being 
pleafcd  to  find  me  out,  and  to  plead  with 
me  as  in  the  valley  of  decifion.  .  In  wri- 
ting' this,  my  mind  is  greatly  moved  with 

pity 


JOHiN     GRIFFITH.  5 

pity  and  bowels  of  compalTion  towards 
inconfiderate  youth;  who  for  the  fake  of 
trifling  vanities,  flighting  their  own  mer- 
cies, are  lubje<!:led  to  diftrefs  of  mind:  and 
the  cafe  is  ftill  worfe,  when  by  repeated  dif-r 
obedience  and  rebellion  againfb  God's  un- 
merited grace,  they  have  almoft  ftifled  his 
divine  witnefs  in  their  own  hearts,  and 
go  on  with  impunity;  for  an  awakening 
time  will  come,  foon  or  late,  which  muft 
flrike  all  fuch  with  horror  and  amaze- 
mtent.     May  it  be  in  mercy ! 

My  godly  parents  were  very  careful  to  pre-* 
vent  my  falling  into  evil  company ;  notwith- 
ftanding  which,  I  frequently,  without  their 
knowledge,  found  fuch,  and  joined  them  in 
thofe  vanities  which  are  incident  to  youth; 
and  perhaps  was  not  a  whit  behind  any  of 
them  therein:  yet  in  the  cool  of  the  day, 
I  was  fliarply  reproved  for  the  fame ;  nay 
fomctimes,  in  the  very  midfl  of  my  folly. 
But  by  this  time  I  wanted  to  lilence  that 
pure  witnefs  againft  evil  in  my  heart.  Oh  I 
I  have  often  lince,  with  deep  reverence, 
thankfully  admired  the  long-fufFering  of  a 
gracious  God,  in  that  he  did  not  cut  me 
ofF,  when  I  wilfully  refifted  the  reproof  of 
his  inftrudtion,  which  is  the  way  to  life, 
becaufe  I  wanted  my  living  in  the  vain  plea- 
fures  of  this  perifhing  world. 

When  I   was   about  the  age  of  thirteen 
years,  a  friend  who  had  lived  fomc  time  in 
Pennfylvania,  being  in  our  parts,  and  fre- 
quently 


6  The    JOURNAL    oi^ 

quendy  at  our  houfe,  gave  a  very  pJeafmg 
account  of  that  country,  l  having  two 
uncles  and  one  a\int  there,  fome  of  whom 
hsid  before  written  to  encourage  our  going 
over  thither,  my  inclination  grev/  very 
ilrong  to  go;  though  my  parents,  efpecially 
eiy  father,  was  at  firft  very  much  againfl 
it.  But  I .  was  as  one  imnioveably  bent  for 
going;  which  when  my  parents  faw,  and 
that  an  elder  brother  inclined  to  go  with 
me,  they  at  length  confented  thereunto,  and 
procured  a  certificate  of  our  being  in  unity 
with  Friends.  There  being  a  family  of 
Friends,  out  of  the  compaCs  of  our  month-- 
iy  meeting,  aifo  going  over  in  the  fame 
fhip,  we  were  delivered  under  their  care, 
and  in  the  year  1726,  we  embarked  at  M'll^ 
ford-Haven,  on  board  the  Conftantine  gal- 
ley of  Briftol,  Edward  Foy  mafter.  We 
had  a  paflagc  of  about  eight  weeks  from 
land  to  land.  We  were  about  eighty  of 
ninety  paffeiigers,  generally  healthy,  a- 
mongil  whom  three  children  were  bori^ 
wdiilfl  on  board,  and  none  removed  by 
death.  My  uncle,  John  Morgan,  who 
lived  about  1 2  miles  from  the  city  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, hearing  of  our  arrival,  came  on 
board,  and  condu(51:ed  us  to  his  own  houfc, 
where  I  continued  for  fome  time,  my  bro- 
ther, being  a  Tveaver,  fettled  at  my  aunt 
Mary  Fennel's,  following  his  trade. 

Removing  from  under  my  parents  watch- 
ful care  over  me,  for  my  good,  furnillicd 
nic  with  great  opportunity  to  gratify  a  vaiji 

imnd 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  7 

mind,  in  the  foolifh  amufements  of  a  tran- 
iitory  world,  towards  which  I  had  biit  too 
gr^at  an  inclination.  But  I  have  this  to 
iky,  in  crder  that  parents  may  be  encoura- 
ged to  exert  their  godiy  endeavours  for  the 
prefervation  of  their  children,  that  I  do 
iledfaflly  believe,  the  religious  care  of  my 
parents  over  me  in  my  youth,  irnpreffed  ib 
great  -an  awe  upon  my  mind,  that,  through 
the  bleffing  of  Divine  Providence,  it  wa^ 
a  great  means  of  my  prefervation  from 
grofs  enormities*  though  I  had  great  op- 
portunity of  being  plunged  thereinto,  after 
I  left  them.  I  hope  ever  to  retain  a  grate- 
ful and  thankful  remembrance  of  thofe 
gracious  prefervations,  when  I  confider, 
how  narrowly  I  have  efcaped  thofe  rocks, 
^pon  which  many  have  been  fhipwrecked 
and  ruined. 

I  was  fometimes  vilited,  and  in  degree 
awakened  to  a  fenfe  of  my  undone  con- 
dition without  a  Saviour,  after  my  arrival 
in  America,  though  not  fo  frequently  as 
when  I  was  younger.  As  I  had  often^  oh 
very  often !  knowingly  withftood  it,  my 
tafte  for  worldly  pleaiiires  being  now  grown 
ftronger,  I  was  very  unwilling  to  give  up 
to  the  call  of  Chrift.  I  could  plead  abund- 
ance of  excules,  concluding  among  other 
things,  that  I  was  but  young,  and  might 
live  a  great  many  years ;  that  if  I  did  take 
my  fwing  a  few  years,  I  might  become  re- 
ligious fooner  than  many  others  had  done, 

who 


8  The    JOURNAL    of 

who  were  brave  men  in  their  day.  I  would, 
however,  to  make  myfelf  the  more  eafy  for 
that  time,  fnlly  determine  to  be  a  very  re- 
ligious good  man,  at  one  time  or  other; 
but  it  muft  not  be  yet.  Thus,  through 
the  grofs  darknefs  v/hich  had  covered  my 
mind,  I  who  had  no  certainty  of  feeing  the 
light  of  one. day  more,  was  prevailed  upon, 
by  the  fubtilty  of  Satan,  to  run  the  dread- 
ful hazard  of  a  future  repentance  and 
amendment  of  life,  and  fo  became  worfe 
and  more  hardened  in  evil,  though  ftill 
preferved  out  of  grofs  pollutions,  or  what 
are  commonly  fo  efteemed;  I  was  afraid  to 
tell  a  lie,  except  to  embellifh,  or  fet  off 
a  pleafant  or  merry  tale  or  ftory;  appre- 
hending it  no  great  crime  to  tell  a  lie  in 
jeft.  I  never  remember  to  have  fworn  an 
oath,  or  uttered  a  curfe  in  my  life.  Nor 
was  I  ever  prevailed  upon,  in  my  cuflo- 
mary  converfation,  to  depart  from  the  rules 
of  my  education,  refpecfting  the  plain  lan- 
guage, thee  and  thou  to  one,  and  you  to 
more  than  one;  all  this  time  preferving  a 
pretty  fair  charadler  amongft  men,  as  none 
could  charge  me  with  any  thing  accounted 
fcandalous.  I  retained  much  love  and  re- 
gard for  thofe  I  thought  truly  religious; 
efpecially  weighty  fubftantial  miniflers  of 
the  everlafting  gofpel ;  and  I  believe  had  a 
better  fenfe  of  their  fpirits  and  labours,  than 
fome  of  my  companions  had,  and  therefore 
was   afraid    to  defpife  or  fpeak  contempri- 

bly 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  9 

bly  of  fuch,  as  fome  of  my  afloGiates  did. 
In  this  carnal  degenerate  ftate,  I  did  com- 
monly, in  a  cuftomary  way,  attend  firfl- 
day  meetings,  and  moftly  had  the  liberty 
of  going  on  other  days  of  the  week,  when 
any  minifters  from  diftant  parts  came  to 
viflt  Abington  meeting,  to  which  I  belong- 
ed :  but  alas !  it  was  to  little  or*  no  good 
pnrpofe,  as  the  labour  beftowed  upon  me, 
by  miniftry  or  otherwife,  was  like  water  fpik 
upon  a  ftone,  that  foon  runs  ofi  again  with- 
out any  entrance ;  I  being  indeed  for  Ibme 
time,  like  the  heath  in  the  defart,  not 
knowing  when  good  came:  and  if  at  any 
time,  the  feed  of  God's  kingdom  fell  upon 
my  heart,  which  was  like  the  high- way 
ground,  it  was  loon  taken  away,  and  I 
prefently  loft  the  favour  thereof. 

When  I  had  arrived  to  upwards  of  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  I  was,  through  infinite 
mercy  never  to  be  forgotten,  viiited  in  an  ex- 
traordinary manner;  concerning  which,  as 
it  was  the  happy  means  of  turning  my 
mind,  in  a  good  degree,  from  the  perifhing 
vanities  of  an  uncertain  w^orld,  to  the  God 
of  all  fure  mercies,  I  intend  to  be  fome- 
what  particular.  One  evening,  behig  with 
divers  of  my  companions  in  vanity,  and 
under  no  reftraint,  as  the  heads  of  the  fa- 
mily were  not  at  home,  we  carried  our 
frothy  vain  converfation,  and  foolifli  rude 
actions,  to  a  higher  degree  of  v/icked  mad- 
nefs,  than  I  ever  was  guilty  of  before,   in 

which 


lo         The    journal    or 

tvhkh  I  flippofe  I  was  as  a  ringleader.  On 
this  account,  I  felt  fome  fliaqj  lailies  of 
can fcience  as  I  went  tc^  bed  that  night ;  and 
a  thoughtful nefs  took  hold  of  my  mind, 
that  we  had  not  a  being  in  this  world  for 
fuch  a  pnrpofe,  or  to  fpend  our  time  as 
above  mentioned,  of  which  I  gave  fome 
hint  to  my  bed-^fellow;  yet  this  conviclioii 
did  not  fink  fa  deep,  but  that  I  pretty  foon 
got  to  fleep.  I  had  not  flept  long,  before 
z  melfenger  alarmed  me  with  an  aceouat^ 
that  one  of  my  jolly  eoirbpanions,  who  was 
then  in  the  houfe,  and  whd^,  1  think,  had 
been  the  bell  of  us,  was  dying,,  defiring 
me  to  go  immediately  to  him,  which,  I 
did.  I  was  exceedingly  ft  ruck  with  horror 
of  mind,  at  the  thoughts  of  the  manner 
in  which  we  had  fpent  the  evening  before, 
and  the  fudden  ftroke  that  followed  tipon 
this  poor  man.  But  when  I  came  to  his 
bedfide,  and  faw  the  dreadful  agony  he  was 
in,  my  horror  was  increafed  beyond  all 
exprefFion ;  as  none  of  us  expelled  he  could 
live  many  hours.  For  my  part,  I  was  fo 
deeply  plunged  into  anxiety  of  mind,  that 
it  feemed  as  if  the  pains  and  terrors  of  hell 
had  laid  hold  of  me  already ;  and  I  w^as  then 
in  full  expedlation  there 'was  no  deliverance 
for  me  therefrom;  but  that  I  fliould  die, 
with  the  weight  of  that  diflrefs  which  was 
upon  me,  before  morning.  This  happened 
on  a  feventh-day  night,  and  though  the 
young  man  in  time  recovered,  yet  he  was 

not 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         n 

not  fit  to  be  left  next  day,  which  hindered 
me   from   going   to   meeting,    to   which   I 
was  exceedingly  defirous  to  have  gone;  for 
by  this  time  I  was  pretty  thoroughly  awa- 
kened to  a  fenfe  of  duty ;  and  it  being  a  week 
before  the  like  opportunity  prefented  to  me 
again,  it  feemed  the  longeil  week  I  had  ever 
known.      Oh,    how    did    I  long  to  prefent 
myfelf  before  the  Lord  in  the  alTembiies  of 
his  people!  that  I  might  pour  forth  my  in- 
ward cries  before  him,  in  a  ftate  of  fincere 
repentance,    and   deep    contrition  of   foul ; 
which,    through    the  effecftual  operation  of 
his  power  in  my   heart,    I   was  then  in  a 
condition  to  do.     Now  I  clearly  faw,  that 
repentance  is  the  gift  of  God,  and  that  his 
love,  wherewith  he  hath  loved  us  in  Chrift 
Jefus    our    Lord,    leads    fihners    thereinto. 
The    flefhly    will   being,    for   the    prefent, 
overcome  and  filenced,  there  was  a  giving 
up,    with    all   readinefs    of   mind,    to   the 
Lord's  requirings.    There  was  not  any  thing 
then  too  near  to  part  with  for  the  real  and 
fubftantial  enjoyment  of  the  beloved  of  my 
foul;  for  1  was  brought  in  degree  to  expe- 
rience, that  he  came  "  for  judgment  into  this 
^^  world,  that  they  which  fee  not  might  fee; 
*'  and  that  they  which  fee  might  be  made  blind. 
I    could    no    longer    look  upon  my  form.er 
delights  with  any  fatisfadlion,   but  inftead 
thereof,  had  a  glorious  view  of  the  beauti- 
ful fituation  of  mount  Sion,  and  my  face  was 
turned  thitherward,  and  for  the  joy  which 
C  was 


12         The    journal    of 

was  fet  before  me,  I  was  made  willing  to  en- 
dure ''  the  crofs  of  Chrift,  and  to  defpife  the 
''  fhame ;"  and  though  I  became  a  wonder  and 
a  gazing  flock  to  my  former  companions,  I 
did  not  much  regard  it,  knowing  I  had  juft 
caufe  fo  to  be.  My  great  change  ftruck 
them  v/ith  fome  awe,  for  I  obferved  they 
had  not  the  boldnefs  to  mocl^  or  deride*  me 
before  my  face. 

The  young  man,  who  was  an  inftrument 
in  the  divinfe  hand  for  my  awakening,  and 
his  brother,  were  both  greatly  reached  and 
deeply  affeded,  for  the  prefent,  by  the  above- 
mentioned  wonderful  vilitation,  and  there 
was  a  very  vilible  change  in  them  for  a  time ; 
but,  like  the  feed  that  fell  on  the  ftony 
ground,  they  withered  away,  and  did  not 
become  fruitful  to  God. 

I  greatly  rejoiced  when  firft  day  came, 
that  I  might  go  to  meeting;  which  proved 
to  me  indeed  a  memorable  one,  there  being 
two  public  friends,  ftrangers,  fent  thither, 
as  I  thought,  on  my  account;  for  moft  of 
what  they  had  to  deliver,  appeared  to  me 
applicable  to  my  ftate.  Now^  did  I,  in 
fome  degree,  experience  the  fubftance  of 
what  was  intended,  by  the  "  baptifm  of  water 
*'  unto  repentance;  the  wafliing  of  water  by 
*'  the  word;  and  being  born  of  water  and  the 
*'  fpirit.''  All  which  would  be  fully  feen,  and 
clearly  underftood,  by  the  profefTors  of  Chrif- 
tianity,  were  they  rightly  acquainted  with  the 
*'  gofpelof  Chrift;  which  is  the  power  of  God 

*'  unto 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  13 

**  unto  falvation."  This  power,  inwardly  re- 
vealed, is  alone  able  to  work  that  change  ia 
them,  without  which,  our  Lord  faith  none 
fhall  fo  much  as  fee  the  kingdom  of  God. 
But  alas !  being  carnal  in  their  minds,  a  fpiri- 
tual  religion  doth  not  fuit  them ;  for,  as  faith 
the  fcripture,  ''  the  natural  man  receiveth  not 
*'  the  things  of  the  fpirit  of  God,  for  they  are 
"  foolifhnefs  unto  him ;  neither  can  he  know 
*'  them,  becaufe  they  are  fpirit ually  difcern- 
*'  ed."  Hence  it  is,  that  the  profeffors  of  the 
Chriftian  name,   retain  iigns  and  fhadows, 
whilft  the  fubflance  is  neglected ;  pleading  for 
the  continuance  of  types,  when  the  antitype 
is  but  little  regarded :  where  this  latter  is  ex- 
perienced,   all   Ihadows    and   types   vanifh 
and  come  to  an  end ;  as  did  the  legal  types, 
when  Chriil,  the  antitype,  came,  and  intro- 
duced his  difpenfation,  which  is  altogether 
of  a   fpiritual  nature.      And,    what  is  yet 
more  wonderful,  and  an  evidence  of  great 
ignorance,  is,  to  find  thofe  happy  and  bleffed 
eife(3:s,  which  are  only  produced  by  the  bap- 
tifm  of  Chrifl  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  attribut- 
ed or  annexed  to  the  ceremonies  of  fprinkling 
a  little  water  by  a  prieft  in  a  child's  face : 
for,    when   that  is  done,    the  prieft  prays, 
*  that  old  Adam  in  the  child  may  be  bu- 
ried; that  the  new  man  may  be  raifed  up  in 
him;    that  all  carnal  afFedion  may  die  in 
him;  and  that  all  things  belonging  to  the 
fpirit  may  live  and  grow  in  him.'     Then  he 
prays,    that  the  element  of  water  may  be 

fandified 


J4         The    JOURNAL    oi 

fan(?llfied  to  the  wafliing  away  fin.  The 
child  is  then  faid  to  be  received  into  the 
congregation  of  Chrift's  flock,  and  ligned 
with  the  fign  of  the  crofs :  when  this  is 
done,  they  acknowledge  the  child  to  be 
regenerate,  and  grafted  into  the  body  of 
Chrift's  church,  and  return  thanks  to  God, 
in  that  he  hath  been  pleafed  to  regenerate 
that  infant  with  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  to 
receive  him  for  his  own  by  adoption; 
Concerning  a  child  fprinkled,  they  fay, 
*  who  being  born  in  original  fin,  and  the 
wa^ath  of  God,  is  now,  by  the  laver  of  re- 
generation in  baptifrn,  received  into  the 
number  of  the  children  of  God,  and  heirs 
of  evcrlafting  life.'  They  fay,  by  baptifrn, 
viz.  fprinkling  infants,  that  they  have  put 
on  Chrift,  and  that  they  are  made  chil- 
dren of  God  and  of  the  light.  They  hold 
children  baptized,  dying  before  they  com- 
mit ad;ual  fin,  are  undoubtedly  faved ; 
which  feemeth  to  imply,  others  are  not. 
Behig  now  weary  of  reciting  thefe  palpable 
errors,  I  Ihall  proceed  with  the  account  of 
my  own  progrefs,  in  the  real  experience  of 
this  great  work  of  regeneration,  or  the 
new  birth,  vvhich,  I  well  know,  is  not  ob- 
tained at  fo  eafy  a  rate  as  above-mentioned.' 
This  adminiflration  of  water  by  the  word 
conthiucd  in  a  remarkable  manner  upon  me,^ 
for  about  three  months,  in  which  I  found 
great  fatisfaclion,  as  it  was  accompained 
with   an   heavenly   fweetnefs,    like  healing 

balfam 


J  OHN    GRIFFIFH.  15 

balfam  upon  my  wounded  fpirit;  my  heart 
being  melted  before  the  Lord,  as  wax  is 
melted  before  the  fire.  Great  was  my  de- 
light in  reading  the  holy  fcriptures,  and 
other  good  books;  being  favoured,  at  that 
time,  to  receive  much  comfort  and  im- 
provement thereby.  But  this  eafy  melting 
difpenfation,  was  to  give  way  to  a  more 
powerful  one,  that  the  floor  might  be  tho- 
roughly purged,  even  the  baptifm  with  the 
Holy  Ghofl  and  fire:  for  the  former  dif- 
penfation of  the  Lord  to  my  foul  feemed 
much  to  refemble  John's  baptifm  with 
water  unto  repentance,  as  being  the  real 
thing  fignified  thereby,  in  order  to  prepare 
the  way  of  the  Lord. 

Under  this  difpenfation  I  was  for  a  time 
exceedingly  diflreffed,  in  a  fenfe  of  the  great 
alteration  I  found  in  the  ftate  of  my  mind ; 
attributing  it  to  fome  caufe  given  by  me, 
that  I  was  thus,  as  I  thought,  forfaken. 
All  the  former  tend^ernefs  was  gone,  and  I 
was  as  the  parched  ground.  My  agonies 
were  fo  great,  that  when  it  was  day  I 
wiflied  for  night ;  and  when  it  was  night  I 
wifhed  for  day.  In  meetings  for  worfhip, 
where  I  had  enjoyed  mofl  fatisfadlion,  I  now 
was  under  the  greatefl  weight  of  pain  and 
diftrefs,  even  to  that  degree,  at  times,  that 
I  could  fcarcely  forbear  crying  aloud  for 
mere  agony.  When  meeting  was  over*,  I 
would  fometimes  walk  a  confiderable  way 
into  the  woods,  that  \inheard  by  any  mor- 
tal, 


i6         The    JOURNAL    op 

tal,  I  mighty  in  mournful  accents,  give 
vent  to  my  greatly  diftreffed  foul.  In  this 
doleful  ftate  of  mind,  the  grand  adverfary 
was  permitted  to  pour  forth  floods  of  temp- 
tations. I  was  almofl  conftantly  befet  with 
evil  thoughts,  which  exceedingly  grieved 
me ;  for  though  I  v^ras  in  fuch  a  dark  dif- 
treffed condition,  my  mind  was,  by  this 
time,  too  much  enlightened  to  allow  of,  or 
jpin  with,  wicked  and  corrupt  tboxights : 
yet  I  often  judged  myfelf,  and  I  believe  at 
times  not  without  caufe,  being  apprehen- 
five,  I  v/as  not  earneft  enough  in  refilling 
thofe  evil  thoughts  and  temptations.  But, 
oh!  I  was  exceeding  weak  in  thofe  days; 
and  I  am  perfuaded  the  Lord,  in  graciolis 
condefcenfion,  looked  mercifully  at  the  fin- 
cerity  of  my  intention,  not  marking  all  my 
failings,  or  I  could  not  have  flood  before 
him  in  any  degree  of  acceptance.  Very 
great  were  my  temptations,  and  deep  my 
diftrefs  of  mind  for  about  a  year ;  in  which 
time  I  was  but  as  a  little  child  in  under- 
{landing  the  way  and  work  of  God  upon 
me,  for  my  redemption.  Yet,  he  who 
will  not  break  the  bruifed  reed,  nor  quench 
the  fmoaking  flax,  until  he  fends  forth 
judgment  unto  vidlory,  by  his  invifible 
power,  bore  up  my  head  above  the  rage- 
ing  waves  of  temptation,  fo  that  the  enemy 
found  he  could  not  overwhelm  me  there- 
with :  the  Lord  teaching  my  hands  to  war, 
^nd  my  fingers  to  fight  under  his  banner, 

through 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         17 

through    whofe   blefling   and    alTiftance,    I 
found  fome  degree  of  vidlory  over  the  bead, 
viz.  that  part  which  hath  its  Ufe  in  flelhly 
gratifications.     Then  began  the  falfe  pro-- 
phet  to  work  with  figns   and  lying  won- 
ders, in  order  to  deceive  my  weak  and  un- 
fl^ilful    underftanding ;     as    it    is    written, 
*  Satan  is  transformed  into  an  angel  of  light :' 
fo  I  found  him,  at  leaft  in  appearance.     He 
that  goes  about  feeking  whom  he  may  de- 
vour, perceiving  I  was  too  much  enlighten- 
ed from  above,  to  be  eafily  drawn  into  fen- 
fuality,    craftily  attempted  my  deftrucSion 
another  way,    viz.  by  fetting  himfelf   up, 
undifcovered  then  by  me,  for  a  gviide  in  the 
way  of  mortification,  which  I  was  then  re- 
folved,    through  divine  afliftance,    to  walk 
carefully  in,  by  denying  myfelf  in  all  things 
which    appeared   inconfiftent   with  the  di- 
vine will.      This  fubtil  transformer,    tak- 
ing advantage  of  the  ardency  of  my  mind 
to  prefs  forward  in  this  necefTary  concern, 
fuggefled   that   my  work  would  be  much 
eafier  in  obtaining  a  complete  vidlory  over 
evil,    were   I   to   refrain  for   a  time   from 
fome  of  the  neceffaries  of  life,  particularly 
from  eating,  and  taking  my  natural  reft  in 
fleep,  except  juft  as  much  as  would  preferve 
life;    and  that  I  mufl  conflantly  keep  my 
hands  employed  in  bufinefs,    as  idlenefs  is 
the  nurfery  of  vice ;    neither  was  he  want- 
ing to  bring  fcripture,  and  pafTages  out  of 
other  religious  books,  to  confirm  thefe  re- 

quirings. 


i8         The    JOURNAL    of 

quirings.  I  tlien  really  believed  It  was  the 
voice  of  Chrift  in  my  mind  commanding 
thefe  things,  and  therefore  endeavoured  to 
be  faithful  therein,  till  m_y  natural  ftrength 
abated,  and  I  found  my  body  grew  mvich 
weaker  thereby.  Greatly  diftrefled  I  was, 
when  at  any  time  I  fell  fliort  of  what  I 
apprehended  to  be  my  duty  in  thefe  refpe6ls, 
he  that  required  tl^is  fervice  being  a  hard 
malier;  though  he  had  power  to  deceive, 
yet  he  could  not  give  me  faith  that  I  fliould 
overcome.  My  views  in  thofe  days  were 
indeed  very  difcouraging,  my  poor  afflidled 
foul  being  almoft  funk  into  defpair.  My 
friends  took  notice  that  I  was  in  uncommon 
diftrefs.  The  family  in  which  I  then 
lived,  as  they  could  not  be  altogether  ig- 
norant, though  I  concealed  it  as  much  as 
I  Could,  of  my  wandering  about  in  the 
fields,  &c.  at  nights,  and  much  refraining 
from  food  (my  deep  diftrefs  being  alfo  very 
legibly  imprinted  on  nay  countenance) 
feared,  as  I  afterwards  underftood,  left  I 
Ihould  be  tempted  to  lay  violent  hands  on 
myfelf.  I  was  forbid  in  myfelf  to  tell  my 
condition  to  any,  as  that  would  be  feek- 
ing  relief  from  without;  a  very  improper 
and  unworthy  thing. 

Notwithftanding  which,  the  God  of  all 
grace,  who  permitted  this  uncommon  af- 
flitJhion  to  fall  upon  me  for  a  trial,  and  not 
for  my  deftrucflion,  was  pleafed,  in  wonder- 
ful kindnefs,    to  move  upon  the  heart  of  a 

minifter 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  19 

minifter  belonging  to  our  meeting,  to  vifit 
me,  and  to  open  a  way  for  my  deliverance. 
He  ftriilly  inquired  concerning  my  inward 
condition,  informing  me  that  friends  were 
much  concerned  about  me,  as  it  was' very 
obvious  I  was  under  fome  uncommon  tempt- 
ation.    I  was  at  firft  very  unwilling  to  open 
my  ftate  to  him,  however  he  at  length  pre- 
vailed, and  took  the  oppprtunity  to  Ihew  me 
that  I  was  under  a  grofs  delufion  of  Satan. 
Being   thus,    through    the    Lord's    mercy, 
delivered  from  the  wicked  defign  of  mine 
enemy,  which  undoubtedly  was  to  deftroy 
both   foul   and   body,    I  had,    in  reverent 
thankfulnefs,  to  rejoice  in  his  falvation.     I 
then  clearly  fav/,  that  Satan  in  his  religious 
appearance,  was  alfo  carefully  to  be  guarded 
againft ;  as  nothing  in  religion  can  be  accept- 
able to  God,    but  the  genuine  produdt  of 
his   unerring   fpirit,    diftin(5lly    heard   and 
underftood  by  the  ear  of  the  foul,  and  the 
renewed  underftanding.     ''  My  fheep,"  faid 
Chrift,  ''  hear  my  voice ;"  which  I  now  began 
to  experience  fulfilled ;    blefTed  be  the  Lord 
for  ever!  I  had  many  precious  openings  into 
the  divine  myfteries  about  this  time;    and 
when  I  read  the  holy  fcriptures,  they  were 
opened  to   my  underftanding,    far   beyond 
whatever  they  had  been  before,    fo  that  I 
had  very  great  comfort ;  my  hope  being  re- 
vived, and  my  faith  much  flrengthened,  by 
thole  things    that  were   written   aforetime. 
I    am  well  aflured,    by  certain  expeFience, 

D  that 


20         The    journal    of 

that  the  myfleries  couched  in  thofe  holy 
writings,  cannot  be  profitably  underftood, 
but  by  the  fame  fpirit  which  infpired  the 
penmen  of  them:  therefore  it  is  vain  pre- 
fumption,  for  fallen  and  unregenerate  man, 
by  his  earthly  wifdom  and  human  learning, 
to  attempt  the  unfolding  heavenly  myfleries. 
The  lip  of  truth  hath  fignified,  they  are  hid 
from  the  wife  and  prudent  of  this  world,  and 
revealed  unto  the  humble  dependent  babes  and 
fucklings ;  thofe  who  fenfibly  experience 
their  fufficiency  for  every  good  word  and 
work,  to  proceed  immediately  from  God 
alone;  and  that  Chrifl  '  is  made  unto  them, 
'  wifdom  andrighteoufnefs,  fandlification  and 
*  redemption/  The  want  of  this  inward 
living  fenfe,  hath  been  the  caufe  of,  and  hath 
opened  the  way  for,  that  great  apoftafy,  dark- 
ncfs,  and  error,  which  have  overfpreadChrif- 
tendom,  io  called.  There  is  no  way  for  its 
recovery,  but  by  humbly  fubmitting  to 
Chrifl  inwardly  revealed,  and  learning  the 
nature  of  true  religion  of  him,  the  great 
author  thereof:  for  I  am  well  allured, 
tH^t  forward  adive  and  inventing  felf  muft 
be  denied,  abafed,  and  laid  in  the  dufl  for 
ever,  and  the  Lord  alone  exalted  in  our 
hearts,  before  we  can  come  up  in  the  feve- 
ral  duties  of  religion,  with  divine  appro- 
bation. This  I  faw,  in  the  divine  light 
which  began  to  fhine  out  of  my  darknefs, 
and  feparated  me  therefrom,  was  the  great- 
er  light    which   was   to   rule   the    day    of 

God'iJ 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         21 

God's  falvatlon,    and  that  all  the  faved  of 
the  Lord  mufh  carefully  walk  in  this  light, 
wherein  there  is  no  occafion  of  ftumbling. 
I  alfo  faw,  that  when  it  pleafed  the  Lord  in 
wifdom,    for  a  trial  of  my  faith  and  pa- 
tience,   to  withdraw  this   holy   light,    and 
there  was  a  fitting  in  darknefs,  and  as  in  the*" 
region  of  the  fhadow  of  death  for  a  time,  fo 
that  I  had  no  diftind  knowledge  therefrom 
what  to  do;  that  it  was  my  indifpenfible 
duty  to  ftand  flill,    and  w^alt  for  my  fure 
unerring    guide;     if    at    thofe   times,    felf 
would    arife   and   be   mieafy,    it   muft   be 
brought   to   the   crofs,    there   to    be   flain. 
By  fuch  experience,  I  found  I  was  nothing, 
and  that  God  was  all  things  neceflary  for 
fdul  and  body;  that  if  I  was  brought  into 
a  (late  of  perfecfl  reconciliation  with  him, 
I  muft  know  all  things  made  new. 
•  About  this  time  I  had  a  diftant  view  of 
being  called  into  the  w^ork  of  the  miniftry ; 
my  mind  being  at  times  wonderfully  over- 
fhadowed  with  the  univerfal  love  of  God,  in 
the  glorious  gofpel  of  his  Son,  to  mankind, 
(to  that  degree  that  I  thought  I  could,    in_^ 
the  ftrength  thereof,  give  up  to  fpend  and 
to  be  fpent,    for  the  gathering  of  fouls  to 
him,  the  great  Shepherd  of  Ifrael;-  and  that 
I  could  lift  \ip  my  voice  like  a  trumpet,  to 
awaken  the  inhabitants  of  the  .earth:    but 
r  found  all  this  was  only  by  way  of  prepa- 
ration for  this  important  work,  and  that  I 
had  not  yet  received  a  commiffion  to  engage 

thereiao 


22         The    journal    of 

therein.     A  fear  was  tipon  my  mind,   and 
care,    left  I  fliould  prefume  to  enter  upon 
this   folemn   undertaking   without    a   right 
call ;  it  appearing  to  me  exceeding  danger- 
ous to  fpeak   in   the   name    of   the   Lord, 
without  a  clear  evidence  in  the  niind,  that 
he  required  it  of  me;    which  I  then  fully 
believed  he  would  in  his  own  time,  which 
was  to  be  waited  for.    From  this  time,  until  I 
was  really  called  into  the  work,  I  frequently 
had,    but  efpecially  in  religious  meetings, 
openings  of  fcripture-pafTages,    with  lively 
operations   of    the    divine    power    in    my 
mind;  and  fometimes  with  fo  much  energy, 
that    I   have    been    almoft   ready   to   ofter 
what  I  had  upon  my  mind,  to  others.     But 
as,  through  an  holy  awe  which  dwelt  upon 
my  heart,  1  endeavoured  to  try  my  offering 
in  the  unerring  balance  of  the  fancluary, 
I  found  it  was  too  light  to  be  offered,  and 
w^as  thankful  to  the  Lord  for  his  merciful 
prefer vation,  in  that  I  had  been  enabled  to 
avoid  offering  the  facrifice  of  fools.      But 
when   the   time   really   came   that    it    was 
divinely  required  of  me,   the  evidence  was 
ib  indifputably   clear,    that  there  was   not 
the  leaft  room  to  doubt ;  yet,  through  fear 
and  human  frailty,  I  put  it  off,  and  did  not 
give  way  thereunto.     But  oh!    how  was  I 
condemned  in  myfelf !    The  divine  fweet- 
nefs   which  had  covered  my  mind  in  the 
meeting  was   withdrawn,    and  I   left  in  a 
very  poor  difconfolate  flate,  wherein- 1  was 

icadv 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,         213. 

ready  to  beg  forgiveaefs,  and  to  covenant 
with  the  Lord,  that  if  he  would  be  pleafed 
to  favour  me  again  in  like  manner,  I  would 
give  up  to  his  requiring.  At  the  next  firft- 
day  meeting,  the  heavenly  power  over- 
ftiadowed  me  in  a  wonderful  manner,  in 
which-  it  was  required  of  me  to  kneel  down 

i'n  fupplication  to  the  Lord  in  a  few  words: 
gave  way  thereunto,  in  the  dread  of  his 
power,  with  fear  and  trembling.  After 
which,  oh,  how  my  foul  was  filled  with 
peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft!  I  could 
then  fing,  and  make  fweet  melody  in  my 
heart  to  the  Lord,  As  I  remember,  I  was 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  the  very  day  I  firfl 
entered  into  this  great  and  awful  work  of 
the  miniftry;  which  was  the  21  ft  of  the 
5th  month,  old  ftile,   1734. 

I  have  found  my  mind  engaged  to  be  fome- 
what  particular  concerning  the  manner  of 
my  entering  into  the  work  of  the  miniftry, 
to  ftand  by  way  of  caution  and  proper  en- 
couragement to  others,  who  may  perufe 
the  fame;  having  in  the  courfe  of  my 
obfervation  had  caufe  to  fear,  fome  have 
taken  the  work  of  preparation,  as  before 
hinted,  for  the  thing  itfelf ;  and  fo  have 
proceeded  very  far,  to  their  own  great 
wounding,  and  the  hurt  of  others,  in  bring- 
ing forth  untimely  fruit,  which  is  exceed- 
ingly dangerous,  and  carefully  to  be  avoid- 
ed. Nothing  is  a  fufEcient  guard  to  pre- 
3(erve  therefrom,  but  the  fingle  eye,  through 

the 


24         The    JOURNAL    of 

the  divine  blefling,  awfully  confidering 
what  a  great  thing  it  is  for  dufl  and  alhes  to 
fpeak  as  the  apoftle  Peter  direds,  viz.  *'  As 
^'  every  man  hath  received  the  gift,  even 
*'  fo  minifter  the  fame  one  to  another,  as 
"  good  fte wards  of  the  manifold  grace  of 
*'  Gk)d.  If  any  man  fpeak,  let  him  fpeak 
*'  as  the  oracles  of  God;  if  any  man  mi- 
**:nifter,  let  him  do  it  as  of  the  ability 
*'  which  God  giveth."  The  author  to  the 
Hebrews  faith,  that  "  no  man  taketh  this 
*•  honour  to  himfelf,  but  he  that  is  called 
*' of  God,  as  was  Aaron."  So  that  what- 
ever fome  may  pretend  to,  and  intrude 
themfelves  into,  unlefs  they  are  really  cal- 
led of  God,  they  will  have  no  fhare  in  that 
honour  that  cometh  from  God  only. 

The  church  of  Chrift  hath  not  been  with- 
out its  trouble  from  falfe  minifters,  neither 
in  the  primitive  times,  nor  in  ours.  That 
excellent  gofpel  liberty  of  all  who  feel 
themfelves  infpired  thereunto,  whether  male 
or  female,  fpeaking  or  prophefying  one  by 
one,  hath  been,  and  Hill  is,  abufed  by  falfe 
pretenders  to  divine  infpiration;  yet  the 
liberty  ought  to  be  preferved  inviolable, 
and  other  means  found  out  to  remedy  this 
great  inconveniency;  which  would  not  be 
difficult,  were  the  members  in  a  general  way 
fpiritually  minded,  rightly  favouring  the 
things  that  be  of  God.  Forward  and  un- 
fandlified  appearances,  by  way  of  miniftry, 
would  then  be  ealily  awed  and  fuppreffed, 

fa 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         25 

fo  as  not  to  difturb  the  peace  of  the  church. 
The  cafe  has  been  otherwife,  as  I  have 
bbfervecl  in  fome  places ;  but  little  minded,  if 
the  words  and  do6lrine  were  found,  and  no- 
thing to  blame  in  the  converfation.  Here 
the  main  thing,  which  is  the  powerful 
demonftration  of  the  holy  fpirit,  is  little 
regarded:  and  if  a  few  are  deeply  pained 
at  heart  with  fuch  lifelefs  miniftry,  they 
find  it  exceeding  difScult  to  lay  hands  there- 
on, for  want  of  more  ftrength;  efpecially 
when  they  perceive  what  ftrength  there  is 
againll  them:  for  formal  profeffors  love  to 
have  it  fo,  rather  than  to  fit  in  filence. 
And  I  have  obferved  fuch  pretenders  all 
mouth  or  tongue,  and  no  ears  to  receive 
inftrudlion;  fond  of  teaching  others,  but 
very  un teachable  themfelves.  I  pray  God 
to  quicken  his  people,  and  raife  the  fociety 
into  a  more  lively  fenfe  of  that  blefled 
arm  of  power  which  gathered  us  to  be  a 
people;  or,  I  fear,  the  great  evil  above 
hinted  at  will  prove  a  very  growing  one: 
profeflion  without  pofTelfion,  being  the 
proper  element  for  fuch  a  miniftry  to  grow 
and  florifli  in.  I  am  not  quite  free  to 
9mit  a  remark  on  this  head,  as  I  am  fully 
perfuaded  the  living  members  of  the  church 
of  Chrift,  groan  under  a  painful  fenfe  of 
this  forrowful  token  of  a  declined  fociety. 
May  the  Lord  of  fabbath  hear  their  cries, 
and  regard  the  anguifti  of  their  fouls  in 
fecret,  fo  as  to  work  by  his  iuvifible  power 

^    for 


26         The    JOURNAL    o^ 

for  his  own  name's  fake,  and  their  enlarge- 
ment, by  turning  his  hand  again  upon  our 
Sion,  to  purge  away  her  drofs,  and  to  take 
away  her  tifi  and  reprobate  filver ;  that  her 
judges  may  be  reftored  as  at  the  firft,  and 
her  counfellors  as  at  the  beginning;  that 
many,  having  their  feet  fhod  with  the  pre- 
paration of  the  gofpel  of  peace,  may  yet  ap- 
pear beautiful  upon  the  mountains !  So  be 
it,  faith  my  foul ! 

I  have  given  fome  hints  how  it  was  with 
me,  by  way  of  preparative  for  the  great  and 
important  work  of  the  miniftry,  and  the 
danger  of  my  being  mifled ;  even  at  fome- 
times  when  I  had  right  openings^  and  felt 
the  fweet  eiEcacious  virtue  of  the  love  of 
God,  through  Jefus  Chrift,  to  mankind: 
which,  doubtlefs,  is  the  fenfible  experience 
and  enjoyment,  at  times,  of  every  faithful 
follower  of  Chrift,  who  never  was  called 
to  the  work  of  the  miniftry.  I  was  in  thofe 
days  apprehenfive  of  fome  danger  of  being 
led  out  at  that  door ;  but  I  have  fince  more 
fully  and  perfedly  feen  the  danger  of  this 
and  other  by-paths,  which  would  have  led 
me  to  give  that  away  to  others,  which  I 
was  to  live  upon  myfelf ;  and  out  of  the 
humble  dependant  ftate,  in  which  only 
there  is  fafety,  to  have  a  wilF  and  way  of 
my  own,  that  I  might  be  furnifhed  and 
enriched  with  much  treafure.  But  fincerity 
of  heart,  and  my  endeavours  to  preferve  the 
fingle  eye,  through  the  watchful  care  of 
^  Divine 


J  O  H  N    G  R  I  F  F  I  T  H.         5; 

l3ivlne  Providence  over  me^  brought  the 
da)r  of  the  Lord  upon  it  all  t  fo  that  I  came 
clearly  to  fee,  and  experimentally  to  know, 
my  fiiificiency  v^as  of  God ;  that  there  mull 
be  a  fteady  dependance  on  the  Lord,  to  be 
immediately  fitted  and  fupplied,  every  time 
I  was  to  engage  in  this  folemn  fervice.  I 
ardently  defire,  that  all  who  have  the  leaft 
apprehenfion  of  being  called  into  the  work 
of  the  miniftry,  may  dwell  in  aii  holy  dread 
of  the  divine  prefei;ice,  and  know  their  own 
wills  wholly  fubjeded  to  the  divine  will, 
v/aiting  for  a  diftindl  and  clear  certainty  of 
the  Lord's  requirings,  not  only  in  entering 
iipon  it  at  firft,  but  alfo  at  all  other  times* 
And  as  felf  comes  to  be  laid  in  the  dud 
for  ever,  they  will  receive  undeniable  evi- 
dence, in  their  own  minds,  of  the  certainty 
of  their  miffion ;  and  they  will  not  be  with- 
out a  teftimony  thereof,  from  the  witnefs 
for  God  in  the  confciences  of  mankind, 
amongft  whom  they  are  feut  to  miniften 
They  will  be  a  favour  of  life  to  the  living 
in  the  truth,  and  of  death  to  thofe  who  are 
in  a  ftate  of  death.  Let  it  ever  be  remem- 
bered, that  nothing  of,  or  belonging  to, 
man,  can  polTibly  add  any  iuftre  or  dignity 
to  fo  divine  a  gift.  Neither  will  the  beft 
and  moft  curioudy  adapted  words  or  doc-* 
trine,  ever  fo  truly  and  confiftehtly  delivr 
ed,  be  anymore  than  as  founding-  braft^ 
as  a  tinkling  cymbal,  without  the  power, 
light,    and    dcmoiiitration    of   the  fpirit  of 

i:  ^hrift. 


^8         Th£    JOURN  Al.    o^- 

Chrift.  There  is  no  occafion  at  all,  for 
thofe  who  regard  his  power  as  the  fubflance 
of  their  minillry,  to  be  any  wife  folicitous 
about  words;  as  the  lowed  and  moft  fim-, 
pie  are  really  beavitiful,  when  fitly  fpoken 
imder  that  holy  influence. 

Having  thus  entered  upon  the  folemn  and 
awful  fervice  of  the  minillry,  I  gave  up  for 
the  moft  part,  as  I  found  the  requirings  of 
truth,  through  the  divine  power  and  effi- 
cacy thereof,  moving  upon  my  heart,  and 
fubjeding  my  Will,  to  utter  a  few  word* 
in  a  broken  manner,  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling; the  Lord  being  exceeding  merciful 
to  me,  as  a  tender  father,  taking  me  by  the 
hand,  and  making  me  willing  by  his  mighty 
power,  to  be  counted  a  fool  for  his  fake  and 
the  gofpel's. 

The  meeting  I  then  belonged  to  was  large, 
and  a  valuable  weighty  body  of  friends 
therein ;  who,  as  far  as  I  could  obferve  by 
their  carriage,  did  own  and  approve  of  my 
weak  and  low  appearance  in  this  fervice: 
yet  they  ufed  Chriftian  prudence,  not  to 
lay  hands  fuddenly,  but  gave  me  full  oppor- 
tunity to  make  proof  of  my  miniftry,  and 
to  feel  my  feet  therein. 

About  this  time,  a  fine  fpring  of  minif- 
try was  opened  within  the  compafs  of  our 
Yearly- Meeting;  there  havings  by  account, 
about  one  hundred  opened  their  mouths  in 
public k  teftirnony,  in  little  more  than  a 
year;  divers  of  whom  became  powerful  abk 

minifter^, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         i^ 

minifters,  and  fome  of  them  withered  away 
like  unripe  frviit.  About  ten  appeared  v\ith- 
in  that  time,  in  the  particular  meeting  of 
Abington,  to  which  I  belonged. 

As  I  was  enabled  to  wait  on  my  miniftry, 
I  experienced  a  confiderable  growth  and  en- 
largement; and,  in  a  faithful  difcharge  of 
duty  therein,  great  peace  and  heavenly  con- 
folation,  like  a  pleafant  refrefliing  ftream, 
flowed  into  my  foul.  I  alfo  found,  that  it 
was  a  means  of  engaging  the  minds  of 
friends,  in  a  fweet  and  comfortable  near- 
nefs  of  unity  with  me,  which  I  had  never 
before  fo  largely  and  livingly  felt.  Many 
young  well-minded  people,  and  fome  others 
of  little  experience,  feemed  to  admire  my 
gift,  and  would  fometimes  fpeak  highly 
of  it,  which  they  did  not  always  forbear  in 
my  hearing.  But  oh  how  dangerous  this  is, 
if  delighted  in  by  minifters !  It  may  be 
juftly  compared  to  poifon,  which  will  foon 
deftroy  the  pure  innocent  life.  My  judg- 
ment was  againft  it ;  yet  I  found  fomething 
in  me,  that  feemed  to  have  no  averfion 
thereunto,  but  rather  inclined  to  hearken 
to  it,  yet  not  with  full  approbation.  7hc 
fame  thing  in  me  would  want  to  know, 
what  fuch  and  fuch,  who  were  in  mofk 
efteem  for  experience  and  wifdom,  thought 
of  me.  I  fometimes  imagined  fuch  looked 
fhy  upon  me,  which  would  much  caft  me 
down;  all  which,  being  from  a  root  or 
fibre  -of  felf,    I  found  was  for  judgment, 

*     and 


30  The    JOURNAL    op 

and  muft  die  upon  the  crofs,  before  I  was 
fit  to  be  trufted  with  any  great  ftore  of 
gofpel  treafure.  I  begun  alfo  to  take  ra- 
ther too  much  dehght  myfeif  in  the  gift; 
which  had  not  divine  goodnefs  in  mercy, 
by  a  deep  and  diftreffing  baptifm^  kindly  pre- 
vented; might  have  opened  a  door  for  fpiri- 
tual  pride  (which  is  the  worft  of  pride)  to 
have  entered  in,  to  my  ruin.  I  have  reafon  to 
think,  that  folid  friends,  by  obferving  my 
large  growth  in  the  top,  with  fpreading 
branches,  were  in  fear  of  my  downfall,  in 
cafe  of  a  florm.  However,  in  the  midft  of 
my  high  career,  the  Lord  w^as  pleafed  to 
take  away  from  me,  for  a  time,  that  which 
he  had  given  me,  viz.  the  gift  of  the  mini- 
flry,  and  with  it  all  fenfible  comforts  of 
the  fpirit:  fo  that  I  was,  as  I  thought,  in 
total  darknefs;  even  in  the  region  and  ftia- 
dow  of  death.  In  this  doleful  ftate  of  mind, 
I  was  grievovifly  befet  and  tempted  by  the 
falfe  prophet,  the  transformer,  to  keep  up 
my  credit  in  the  miniftry,  by  continuing 
my  publick  appearances.  It  might  well  be 
faid  of  him,  that  he  would  *^  caufe  fire  to 
''  come  down  from  heaven,  in  the  fight  of 
''  men,  to  deceive  them;"  for  fo  I  found  it. 
It  is  hard  to  imagine,  how  near  a  refem- 
blance  he  could  make,  how  exadt  an  imi-r 
tation  he  could  form  of  the  very  thing  it- 
felf,  to  the  ftate  of  mind  I  was  then  in ; 
even  to  that  degree,  that  I  have  at  times 
been  ready  to  fay,  '  Ah!  I  fee  and  feel  the 

fire 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         31 

fire  of  the  Lord  coming  down  to  prepare 
the  offering' ;  and  have  been  almoft  ready  to 
give  up  thereunto,  w^hen  a  godly  fear  would 
feize  my  mind,  and  a  defire  yet  to  try  it ; 
by  which  means,  the  fhrong  delufion  hath, 
been  difcovered,  and  the  falfe  fire  rejected. 
My  foul  hath  been  plunged  into  deeper 
anxiety,  by  this  falfe  heat,  than  I  was  in 
before.  No  tongue  nor  pen  can  fet  forth 
to  the  full,  the  deep  and  almoft  conftant 
anguifh  of  my  foul,  for  about  the  fpace  of 
four  or  five  months  ;  being  as  near  as  I 
can  remember  the  time  this  fore  afHidlion 
was  upon  me.  It  fared  with  me  in  fome 
degree,  as  it  did  with  Job,  refpeding  my 
friends  ;  fome  conjecturing  one  thing,  and 
fome  another  thing,  to  be  the  caufe  of  this 
fall,  as  it  was  apprehended  ;  though, 
through  mercy,  they  could  not  charge  me 
with  any  evil  as  the  caufe  thereof.  The 
moft  probable  reafon  to  them,  of  this  alte- 
ration was,  that  I  had  been  too  much  fet 
up  by  others,  and  fo  had  loft  my  gift ;  and 
this,  I  think,  came  the  neareft  to  the  truth 
of  the  cafe.  Yet  it  was  not  fo  loft,  but 
that  when  my  gracious  helper  faw  my  fuffer^ 
ing  was  enough,  he  reftored  it  again,  and 
appeared  to  my  foul  as  a  clear  morning  with- 
out clouds:  everlafting  praifes  to  his  holy 
name !  My  mind  was  deeply  bowed  in  hum- 
ble thankfulnei's,  under  a  fenk  of  the  great 
favour  of  being  again  counted  worthy  to  be 
intrufted  with  fo  precious  a  gift ;  therefore  I 

was 


3^  The    JOURNAL    or 

was  careful  to  exercife  the  fame  in  great 
fear  and  awfulnefs,  and  more  in  a  crofs  to 
mine  own  will  than  before ;  as  that  which 
was  bnt  too  likely  to  have  decked  itfelf 
therewith,  was,  for  the  prefent  at  leaft,  in 
a  good  degree  flain.  I  have  very  'often,  in 
the  courfe  of  my  religious  experience,  had 
canfe  to  adore  and  admire  divine  wifdom, 
in  his  dealings  with  me  for  my  preferva- 
tion  in  the  way  of  peace ;  being  well  affured, 
that  he  will  fo  work  for  mankind,  if  they 
are  fufficiently  given  up  in  heart  and  foul 
to  him,  that  it  will  not  be  pofTible  for  them 
to  mifs  of  everlafting  happinefs  ;  for  none 
are  able  to  pluck  thofe  out  of  his  almighty 
hand,  who  do  not  firft  incline  to  leave 
him. 

After  I  had  appeared  in  publick  fome- 
what  more  than  two  years,  I  found  fomc 
drawings  of  gofpel-love,  as  I  apprehended, 
to  vilit  the  meetings  of  friends  in  fome 
part  of  New- Jerfey ;  and  being  but  young 
in  the  miniftry,  I  was  in  great  fear,  at  times, 
left  I  fliould  be  miftaken,  in  that  which  I, 
at  other  times,  thought  to  be  the  divine 
requirings :  for  I  much  dreaded  that  of  run- 
ning when  and  where  the  Lord  did  not 
fend  me,  left  I  ftiould  bring  difiionour  to 
his  blelfed  name,  and  cxpofe  myfelf  naked 
and  void  of  proper  qualifications  for  fo  great 
an  undertaking,  to  wife  and  difcerning 
friends.  Great  indeed  was  my  diftrefs, 
night   and   day,     crying   to  the   Lord   for 

greater 


JOHN    ORIFFITfi  33 

greater  confirmation ;  which  he  gracionfly 
heard,  and  was  pleafed,  by  a  dream  or  night-^ 
vifion,  to  afford  me  fuch  full  fatisfadiou  in, 
that  I  do  not  remember  I  had  any  doubt 
afterwards  concerning  the  fame. 

I  entered  upon  the  faid  journey  the  7th  of 
the  8th  month  1736;  having  a  companion 
much  older  than  myfelf  every  way.  We 
vifited  the  following  meetings,  viz.  Piles-? 
grove,  Salem,  Aloways-creek,  and  Cohanfey, 
where  my  companion  left  me,  and  returned 
home,  being  under  fome  difcouragement 
about  the  journey  in  his  own  mind.  But 
as  I  found  the  Lord  by  his  bleffed  power 
near,  opening  my  mouth,  and  enlarging 
my  heart  abundantly  in  his  work,  I  was 
encouraged  thereby  to  proceed,  being  join- 
ed in  travel  by  an  innocent  friend  belong- 
ing to  Aloways-creek-meeting,  who  had  a  few 
wotds  to  drop  in  meetings.  We  went  frora 
Cohanfey,  through  a  great  defart  or  wilder- 
fiefs,  for  about  forty  miles,  without  inhabi- 
tants, to  Cape  May,  where  we  had  a  meet- 
ing. From  thence  to  Great  and  Little  Egg- 
Harbour,  and  had  meetings.  From  thence, 
through  the  wildernefs,  to  the  yearly-meet- 
ing at  Shrewfbviry,  which  was  large,  and 
much  favoured  with  the  divine  prefence; 
divers  miniflering  friends  from  Pennfylvania 
were  there,  viz.  Thomas  Chalkley,  Robert 
Jordan,  John  and  Evan  Evans,  Margaret 
Prelton,  and  otlnsrs. 

It 


^4         tHE    JOURNAL    o]^. 

It  neither  fuited  with  my  growth  in  the 
miniflry,    iior  my  inclination^    to  take  up 
much  time  in  thofe  large  meetings.    I  there- 
fore, for  the  moft  part,  gave  way  to  fuch  as 
were  better  qualified  for  the  work,   and  in 
my  efteem  worthy  of   double   honour.      I 
had  a  great  regard  in  my  mind  for  thofe 
whom  I  thought  as  pillars  in  the  houfe  of 
God,  whether  minifters  or  elders;  and  really 
think,  if  fuch  had  given  it  as  their  fenfe, 
that  I  was  wrong  in  my  offerings,  at  any 
time,    I    fhould   have   been  more  likely  to 
have  depended  on  their  judgment  than  my 
own.      I    looked   upon   myfelf,    for  many 
years,  as  a  child  in  experience  every  way ; 
and  therefore  thought  a  fubjedlion  was  due 
from   me,    to   thofe  who  were  fathers  and 
mothers  in  Ifrael,  and  never,  that  I  remem-* 
ber,    manifefted    any   difregard   to    them ; 
which   is    now  a -fatisfadlion  to  my  mind. 
But,    I  confefs,    I  have  at  times  fmce  had 
caufe  to  marvel  at  the  forwardnefs  of  fome, 
who  though  but  children,  if  rightly  child- 
ren,   have   undertaken   the   woi^k  of   men, 
hardly  difcovering  a  willingnefs  to  give  the 
preference  to  any;  and  when  they  have  been 
admoniflied  by  thofe  of  much  more  experi- 
ence than  themfelves,  they  have  been  apt  to 
retort,  or  to  plead  a  divine  commiflion,  and 
that    it   is    right  to  obey  God  rather  than 
man;  as  if  they  had  the  ible  right  of  fpeak- 
ing  and  judging  too.      1  had  divers  times 
feen  the  great  danger  of  being  deceived  and 
miflcd  by  the  transformer;  and  therefore  was 

afraid 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         35 

'afraid  of  being  over  confident  of  mine  own 
.£ght^  and  looked  upon  it  thefafefk  way 
to  ftand  quite  open  for  inftruclion,  come 
from  what  quarter  it  would ;  there  being 
nothing  more  defired  by  me,  thaii  to  be 
right. 

This  large  meeting  ended  well,  and  fweetly. 
Praifes  to  the  Lord  over  all  for  ever!  From 
thence  I  went  to  the  following  meetings, 
viz.  Chefterfield,  Trenton,  Bordentown, 
Mansfield,  Upper  Springfield,  Old  Spring- 
field, Burlington,  Briilol,  the  Falls,  Ancocas, 
Mount-holly,  Evefham,Chefl:er,  Haddonfield, 
and  Woodbury  Creek;  from  whence  I  re- 
turned home.  The  Lord  made  my  journey 
profperous,  and  was  to  me,  at  times,  as  a 
fountain  unfealed,  furniihing  daily  for  the 
work  he  had  engaged  me  in;  being,  in 
wonderful  condeicenfion  to  my  weak  eftate, 
both  wifdom  and  utterance ;  as  it  is  written, 
"Out  of  the  mouths  of  babes  and  fucklings 
"thou  haft  ordained  ftrength."  Pi^aifes  to 
his  holy  name  for  ever!  ' 
'  Notwithftanduig  the  Lord  committed  uii^ 
to  me  a  difpenfation  of  the  gofpel,  and  was 
pleafed;  to  reward  my  fincere  labours  therein, 
with  the  fvveet  incomes  of  peace  and  joy  in 
the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  with  the  unity  of  the 
brethren,  in  a  comfortable  degree;  yet  great 
were  my  te^nptations,  and  various  the  com!t 
bats  I  had,  for  divers  years  after,  with  my 
foul's  enemies.  Oh!  how  hard  I  found  it 
to  keep   from  being  defi.led,    more  or  lefs, 

F  with 


36         Th^    journal    o^ 

with  the  polkiting  floods,  which  were  at!* 
moft  continually  poured  out  of  the  great  red 
dragon's  mouth,  in  order  to  carry  away  my 
imagination  into  unlawful  delights,  from 
which  i  did  not  always  wholly  efca^pe;  being 
fbmetimes  prevailed  upon  to  fet  bounds  to 
myfelf,  that  though  I  would  not  direftly  fall 
into  the  evil  I  was  tempted  to,  yet  I  might 
take  fome  diftant  delight  and  fatisfaclion^ 
in  approaching  as  near  thereunto  as  I  thought 
was  lawful.  Thus,  for  want  of  a  watchful 
care,  not  only  to  fliuu  that  which  I  knew 
to  be  really  evil,  but  allb  every  appearance 
of  evil,  I  fometimes  brought  great  anguifli 
and  deep  diftreft  upon  my  own  naind;  and 
when  I  had  gone  but  a  httle  out  of  the  right 
way,  I  found  maiiy^  oh !  many  weary  ftept 
and  painfttl  heart-achings,  before  I  was  re-^ 
ceived  into  the  way  and  favour  of  the  hea- 
venly Father  again.  I  have  often  fince  been 
humbly  thanktul  for  his  prefervation,  even 
out  of  groft  evils,  confidering  my  danger* 
ous  tampering  therewith^  at  times  in  th^ 
imagination.  How  can  weak  mortals  deter* 
mine  what  length  they  will  go,  when  any 
way  is  given?  Moft  certain  it  is,  they  go 
out  greatly  to  their  hurt,  who  take  any  plea- 
fure  at  all  in  the  thoughts  of  forbiddea 
things.  I  hav^  found,  by  -woful  experience^ 
diat  when  the  leaft  v/ay  is  given  to  the 
enemy^  he  gains  much  advantage  over  uaf 
and  we  are  ^greatly  enfeebled  thereby ;  fy 
that,  inflead  of  ,growing  as  willows  by  the 

water- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         37 

water^courfes,  there  is  danger  of  withering, 
and  beconoung  of  thofe  that  draw  back,  m 
whom  the  Lord  hath  no  pleafure.     I  have 
found  it  the  firft  fubtil  working  of  Satan, 
to   draw  me   off  from  a  conftant  care  of 
bringing  all  my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions 
to  be  tried  by  the  light  of  Chrift  in  mine 
own  heart;  and  inftead  thereof,  to. examine 
them  by  my  partial  reafoning  part.     Here, 
many  things  really  ev^il  in  their  nature,  or 
tendency,  or  both,  would  carry  the  appear- 
ances of  indifterency;    the  pleading  would 
then  be,  there  is  no  harm  in  this,  that,  or 
the   other    thing;    yet   there   hath   been   a 
doubt  perhaps  in  the  mind  to  reafon  away, 
not  duly  confidering,    that  he  who  doubt- 
eth,  is  condemned  if  he  receive.     So  I  have 
many  times  found  it,  when  the  judge  of  aU 
hath  been  pleafed  to  arife,  and  to  find  me 
out,  with  my  fig-leaf  covering  on;  having 
very  imprudently,  by  giving  way  to  wrong 
things,  in  a  great  mealiire  loft  the  garment 
of  innocence,    and  an  holy  confidence  to-^ 
wards  God.     Oh!   how  very  hot  hath  my 
negledl  occafioned  the  furnace  to  be  made, 
that  fo  the  drofs  might  be  done  away. 

Thus  it  was  with  me,  until  the  many  chaf- 
tenings  of  the  heavenly  Father  had  brought 
me  into  more  fear,  care,  and  fubjeclion. 
I  could  not  be  quite  eafy  to  omit  giving 
thefe  hints  of  my  many  weakneffes  and 
failings,  that  others  may  learn  thereby  to  be 
^ware.     This  I  apprehend  to  be  the  chief 

reafon 


^8         The    JOURNAL    of 

teafon  of  our  having  the  fallings  and  mif- 
carriages  of  God's  people  traiifmitted  to  us 
in  the  holy  fcriptures.  Thou  traveller  Sion- 
IVard,  look  forward  to  the  joy  fet  before 
thee,  not  fufFering  thine  eyes*  to  wander 
about  thee,  left  they  convey  fuch  delight 
to  thy  heart,  as  nnay  infeft  thy  foul  with 
pernicious  diftempers,  by  which  thou  mayeft 
be  rendered  unable  to  proceed  on  thy  jour- 
ney towards  the  holy  city;  and  through  the 
defecl  occafioned  thereby  to  thy  fight,  thou 
mayeft,  in  a  great  meaiiire,  lofe  the  glori- 
ous profpe6l  of  its  beautiful  lituation,  and 
the  fplendor  of  its  ftruclures.  Beware  thovi 
do  not  load  thyfelf  with  the  feeming  plea- 
fant  fruit  of  that  country  through  which 
thou  travelleft:  although  they  may  appear 
to  hang  plentifully  on  each  hand,  they  will 
neither  be  of  any  ufe  to  thee  in  that  hea- 
venly country  whither  thou- art  going,  nor 
for  refrefhment  on  the  way  thither.  If  thou 
haft  a  mind  to  make  thine  own  w^ay  pro- 
fperous,  look  fteadily  forward,  with  a  fingle 
eye,  to  the  recompence  of  reward.  Bring 
every  motion  towards  feeking  of  fatisfaction 
in  forbidden  places,  immediately  to  the 
crofs,  and  thou  wilt  much  fooner  find  the 
yoke  of  Chrift  made  eafy,  and  his  burden 
light;  all  his  ways  pleafant,  and  his  paths 
peace*  This  is  abundantly  better  than  that 
tineafy  in  and  out  way  of  ti^avelling,  finning 
and  repenting,  repenting  and  iinning  again; 
•\Vliich  lays   a   foiuadaticn   for*  murmuring, 

labour^ 


J  O  H  N    G  R  I  F  F  I  T  H.         39. 

labour,  and  toil;  crying  out,  as  fome  do  all 
their  days,  there  is  no  complete  vi(5lory  to 
be  obtained  over  fin  on  this  fide  of  the  grave. 
Miierable  finners  w^e  muft  remain,  when 
the  caufe  thereof  is  w^holly  in  themfelves ; 
becaufe  they  will  not  come  into,  and  abide 
in,  the  help  of  the  Lord,  againft  the  mighty 
enemies  of  their  foul's  happinefs,  which  is 
altogether  fufficient  to  give  a  complete  vic- 
tory over  them ;  yea,  to  give  power  to  tri- 
umph, and  fay,  '*  We  are  made  more  than 
^'  conquerors  through  him  that  hath  loved 
"  us." 

The  8th  month  1737,  I  fet  out  in  order 
to  vilit  fome  meetings  in  Eaft-Jerfey ;  hav- 
ing Richard  French,  an  ancient  friend,  to 
bear  me  company.  We  had  meetings  at 
Stonybrook^  Bethlehem,  Lebanon,  and  at 
a  Baptift's  houfe  near  Black-River.  None 
of  our  fociety  were  thereabouts,  but  there 
were  fome  ranters  of  Rogers's  followers, 
who  had  taken  upon  them  the  name  of  Qua- 
kers, to  the  great  fcandal  of  friends  in  that 
remote  place:  they  came  to  the  meeting, 
being  moftly  women.  Their  impatient  reft- 
lefs  fpirita  would  not  fufFer  them  to  let- 
us  hold  our  meeting  quietly;  yet  they  did 
not  feem  inclinable  to  contend,  but  rather 
to  flatter  and  applaud  us.  Some  of  them 
Hood  up,  after  we  had  feverally  delivered 
what  we  had  upon  our  minds,  to  fignify 
their  unity  with  our  doftrine,  pretending  it 
•to  be  the  fame  they  held  forth  to  the  peo- 
ple, 


40         The    JOURNAL    of 

pie,  though  not  enaugh  regarded  by  thenie 
jBut  we  were  not  free  to  receive  their  tefti* 
mony,  any  more  than  Paul  and  Silas  could 
that  -maid's  who  was  polTeflfed  with  an  evil 
fpirit;  but  rebuked  them  openly,  and  pub- 
lickly  declared  our  difunity  with  them,  de- 
firing  the  people  not  to  look  upon  them  as 
belonging  to  the  fociety  of  the  people  called 
Quakers,  as  we  could  afTure  the  meeting  it 
was  not  fo ;  and  that  we  had  no  more  unity 
with  thofe  pretenders,  than  they  had.  I 
thought  the  chief  fervice  we  had  at  that 
place,  was  to  teftify  againft  thofe  wild  frail- 
tick  people,  who  we  found  had,  by  being 
accounted  Quakers,  caufed  the  way  of  truth 
to  be  evil  fpoken  of.  This  unexpected  op- 
pofition  raifed  their  flighty  fpirits,  fo  that 
they  became  very  troublefome,  being  full 
of  words,  and  afking  frivolous  queftions. 
Whereupon  that  of  Paul,  to  fome  fuch  wo- 
men in  the  Corinthian  church,  caipe  frefh 
into  my  mind.  I  therefore  called  out  aloud, 
*'  Let  your  women  be  filent  in  the  church;" 
and  opened  to  them,  that  it  was  luch  women 
as  they  were,  that  the  apoftle  rebuked  and 
commanded  to  be  filent;  who  not  experi- 
encing their  fpirits  to  be  truly  fubjecSed, 
that  they  might  know  how  to  fpeak  con- 
cerning the  things  of  God  with  a  right  un- 
derflanding,  ought  to  learn  infilence:  not 
meaning  to  exclude  thofe  of  mine  own  fex 
in  the  like  cafe ;  the  fame  being  as  necelTary 
for  them.     We  left  them  a$  full  of  them- 

felvcs 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         41 

felves  as  we  found  them,  and  went  from 
thence  to  Whippany,  where,  in  a  friend's 
houie,  tv e  had  a  precious  meeting.  The 
greateft  number  beii!ig  of  other  focieties,  the 
teftimony  of  truth  flowed  forth  freely ;  they 
appearing  to  be  much  tendered  and  affecfted 
therewith.  After  meeting,  fome  of  them 
took  us  bv  the  hand,  and  in  an  affeiftionate 
maniiier  expreffed  their  fatisfa6lion  with 
our  laborers  amongft  them.  From  thence 
w0  ;  went  to  Plainfield,  and  Woodbrldge, 
where  we  had  meetings.  After  which  yv^ 
returned  home;  having  been  favoured  to 
^ccomplifh  this  little  journey  to  my  own 
fatisfa(?\ion. 

Sometime  before  I  entered  upon  the  be- 
fore-mentioned journey,  I  found  my  mind 
pretty  ftrongly  drawn,  and  much  inclined, 
to  enter  into  a  marriage  ftate  with  a  young 
woman  belonging  to  the  fame  meeting,  with- 
in the  campafs  of  which  I  had  lately  taken 
a  farm,  and  to  which  I  was  then  joined  by 
certificate.  Her  name  wa?,  Rebekah,  the 
daughter  of  Jofiah  and  Sarah  Fearn,  and 
grand-daughter  of  John  Blunfton :  ftie  being 
a  valuable  branch  of  a  good  ftock.  By  the 
death  of  her  brother,  fhe  was  then  pofl'efled 
of  that  part  of  her  faid  grandfathers  cftate, 
where  he  had  lived,  and  entertained  friends 
from  almoft  the  firft  fettlement  of  Pennfyi- 
vania,  until  his  death;  which  afterwards 
was  continued  by  his  widow  many  years, 
buc  of   Jate    years    had    been    laid    afide. 

It 


42         The    JOtJRNAL    ot 

It  was  in  Lower  Derby,  about  feven  miles 
from  Philadelphia,  near  a  large  meet* 
ing;  the  meeting-houfe  being  built  on 
ibme  of  that  tra6l  of  land.  The  reafon  of 
my  being  fo  particular  in  this  account,  is  to 
fliew  the  Lord's  kindnefs,  and  gracious  con- 
defcenfion  to  me,  info  fully  anlwering  what 
I  had  fo  often  defired,  viz.  that  in  cafe  I 
ever  married  and  fettled,  I  might  be  fo 
placed  and  circumftanced,  as  t6  entertain 
the  Lord's  fervants  and  meflengers  in  an 
agreeable  maniier:  on  which  account,  as 
well  as  that  he  was  pleafed  to  give  me  an 
affedlionate  virtuous  wife,  I  had,  and  have 
great  caufe  of  .humble  thankfulnefs.  We 
took  each  other  in  mari-iage  the  30th  of  the 
loth  month  1737,  at  a  large  and  folemn 
meeting,  held  in  the  meeting- houfe  before- 
mentioned,  under  the  precious  overlhadow- 
ing  of  the  power  of  divine  love;  I  think  to 
a  larger  degree  than  I  had  often,  if  ever, 
known  before:  which  was  no  fmall  confir- 
mation of  our  being  rightly  joined  together  5 
it  being  that  alone  which  can  truly  enable 
to  make  and  keep  covenant  rightly  with 
each  other. 

After  marriage,  I  conftantly  attended  our 
particular  meeting,  both  on  firft  and  other 
days  of  the  week;  alfo  the  quarterly  and 
yearly-meetings  as  they  fell  in  courfe,  and 
frequently  vifited  adjacent  meetings.  I  vi- 
fited  friends  in  the  county  of  Bucks  twice, 
but  have  no  account  by  me  of  the  exadl 

time* 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         4^ 

time.  I  fignified  to  my  wife,  fome  time 
after  we  were  married,  that  I  did  expect,  in 
a  few  jQ^rSy  I  fhould  findTa  concern  to  leave 
her  for  a  longer  time  than  I  yet  had  done, 
and  gave  her  a  hint  what  time  I  thought  it 
would  be;  which  fell  out  accordingly j 
having  then  a  diftant  view  of  vifiting  New- 
England. 

When  the  time  for  undertaking  that  jour- 
ney appeared  clear  to  me,  I  gave  up  thereto, 
in  humble  refignation  and  faith  in  the  fuf- 
ficiency  of  that  divine  power  which  I  be- 
lieved required  it  of  me ;  yet  not  without 
fomq  intervals  of  difcouragement,  and  rea- 
foning  in  myfelf  what  would  become  of 
my  family  and  outward  concerns :  neither  did 
I  then  know  of  any  companion  to  join  with 
me  in  this  great  undertaking,  but  at  time^ 
believed  I  lliould  be  favoured  with  one,  if  I 
gave  up  thereunto.  However,  I  laid  my  con- 
cern before  the  monthly-meeting  to  which  t 
belonged,  requefting  their  concurrence  and 
certificate,  if  upon  a  weighty  confideration 
thereof,  they  had  unity  with  my  concern. 
A  certificate  was  prepared,  whereby  I  was 
left  to  my  liberty  to  proceed;  but  I  had 
not  yet  heard  of  a  companion,  and  greatly 
feared  going  without.  Our  quarterly-meet- 
ing falling  quickly  after,  I  went  to  it, 
where  I  foon  made  inquiry  of  my  muck 
efteemed  friend  John  Cliurchman,  whether 
he  knew  of  any  fui table  companion  for  me. 
He  readily  told  me  that  his  brother-in-law, 
G  William 


44        Tii£    JOURNAL    of 

"William  Brown,  had  procured  a  certificate 
in  order  for  the  fame  journey,  and  did  not 
then  know  of  any  companion,  but  believed 
one  would  be  provided  for  him.  This  was 
very  acceptable  to  me.  When  Williajii 
Brown  and  I  had  an  opportunity  of  con- 
ferring together,  which  was  the  fame  day, 
we  found  our  concerns  and  views  fo  exact- 
ly agree,  and  our  fpirits  fb  clofely  united 
for  the  fervice,  that  our  hearts  bowed  in 
thankfulnefs  to  the  Lord,  for  his  care  and 
providence  over  us ;  believing  what  we 
were  about  to  engage  in,  was  agreeable  to 
his  will,  and  in  his  counfel.  It  being  the 
meeting  for  minifters  and  elders  that  day, 
we  laid  our  concern  before  that  meeting, 
where  it  appeared  to  be  well  approved, 
which  was  no  fmall  ftrength^to  us.  I  did 
then,  and  hope  ever  fliall,  greatly  love  and 
highly  value  the  unity  of  the  brethren; 
having  found  it  no  fmall  ftrength  and  en- 
couragement to  me,  in  many  low  and  try- 
ing times,  which  are  neceflkry  and  unavoid- 
able in  that  folemn  engagement  of  vifit- 
ing  the  chvirches;  efpecially  now  in  their 
low  declined  ftate.  It  became  indilputably 
clear  to  my  underftanding,  that  it  is  alto- 
gether impoflible  to  adminifter,  in  a  feel- 
ing effedlual  manner,  to  people's  fe-veral 
Hates,  unlefs  we  are  baptized  thereinto. 
Well  adapted  words,  and  found  dodrine, 
as  to  the  external  appearance,  may,  with- 
out much  difEculty,  be  attained  j  feeing  we 

have 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         45 

have  the  holy  fcriptures,  and  many  other 
good  books,  containing  the  principles  of 
truth,  and  the  Chriftian  experience  of  the 
Lord's  people:  yet  all  this,  delivered  with 
the  tongue  of  men  or  angels,  will  prove  an 
empty,  fruitlefs  found,  without  the  power 
and  demonftration  of  the  fpirit  of  Chrift, 
who  enables  his  upright-hearted  minifters 
to  fearch  all  things,  yea,  the  hidden  myf- 
tery  of  iniquity,  as  well  as  the  deep  things 
of  God,  even  as  he  led  his  prophet  Ezekiel 
to  look  through  the  hole  in  the  wall,  that 
the  moft  fecret  abomination  may  be  brought 
to  light,  and  teftified  againft.. 

1  took  leave  of  my  dea,r  wife,  and  fet  out 
with  my  before-mentioned  companion,  the 
5th  of  the  7th  month,  1741.  Faffing  through 
New  Jerfey,  we  had  a  meeting  at  Chefter- 
field.  \ye  crofTed  Staten-Illand,  and  came 
to  an  arm  of  the  fea,  called  the  Narrows, 
which  feparates  the  before-mentioned  iiland 
from  Long-Ifland,  The  wind  blowing  very 
flrong,  and  the  fea  running  exceeding  high, 
we  were  obliged  to  wait  fome  time ;  the 
ferry-men  being  afraid  to  run  the  hazard 
of  carrying  us  (and  divers  others  who  were 
there  alfo  waiting)  over.  Towards  evening 
the  wind  fomewhat  abating,  they  appeared 
willing  to  venture,  if  we  would;  and  we 
being  defirous  to  proceed,  agreed  to  go.  I 
think  we  had  eight  or  nine  horfes,  befides 
people,  in  the  boat.  They  fet  all  their  heads 
to  the  wind,  which  proved  of  Angular  fer- 

vice^ 


46         The    JOURNAL    of 

vice,  in  bearing  up  the  boat  againfl  it, 
otherwife  it  did  not  feem  altogether  impro- 
bable, but  that  file  would  have  been  laid 
on  her  fide.  We  ran  over  in  about  ten 
minutes,  which  is  accounted  at  leaft  two 
miles  and  an  half.  We  were  thankful  for 
prefervation ;  as  I  believe  mofl,  or  all  of  us, 
when  we  were  on  the  water,  apprehended 
fome  confiderable  danger.  We  made  but 
little  ftay  on  Long-Ifland,  only  taking  New- 
town meeting  in  our  way.  Then  croffing 
th^  water,  to  the  main  land  in  New- York 
government,  had  meetings  at  Mamaroneckj 
Long-reach,  and  the  Purchafe.  From  thence, 
having  a  guide  provided  for  us,  we  fet  out 
for  our  journey,  about  200  miles  through 
the  colony  of  Conne6licut  to  Rhode-Iiland. 
We  met  with  a  kind  reception  and  entertain- 
ment for  our  money,  at  a  very  low  rate, 
amongft  the  high  profeffing  Prefbyterians  of 
this  colony:  the  cafe  was  very  different 
formerly,  when  ovir  friends  were  baniflied 
from  thence  by  a  law.  I  remarked,  as  I 
pafTed  along,  very  good  order  obferved  in 
their  inns;  and,  as  far  as  could  be  difcovered, 
tlie  people  in  general  appeared  to  be  fober, 
and  religious  in  their  way;  far  from  being 
fo  vitiated  and  corrupt  as  I  have  found 
thofe  in  the  mother-country,  as  they  call 
it.  We  were  attacked  divers  times  by 
fome  of  them  on  religious  fubjedls,  but, 
through  divine  favour,  were  enabled  to  an- 
f\v*er  them  in  fuch  a  manner,  as  that  I  hope 

neither 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         47 

Neither  we,  nor  the  truth  profeffed  by  us* 
fufFered   thereby.      I  can  fay  with  thank- 
fulnefs,    I  never  was   at    a  lofs    in  giving  - 
anfwers  to  thofe  that  alked  a  reafon  of  the 
hope  that  was  in  me,  when  I  had  my  chief 
dependance  on  the  Lord  to  be  furnilhed  im- 
mediately by  him  aloae,  without  leaning  to 
mine  own  underftandlng.     We  were  kind- 
ly received  by  our  friends  at  Newport  on 
Rhode-Ifland,  where  there  is  a  large  body; 
fome   of   whom  we   found  much  hurt  by 
differences    and    parties    about   government 
affairs;    which  catifed  hard  clofe  work  for 
\ls  in  their  meetings.     From  Rhode-Ifland 
we  went  to  the  ifland  of  Nantucket,  where 
is  alfo  a  large  body  of  friends,  amongfl  whom 
we  had  good  fatisfadlion.     We  then  returned 
to  the  main  land,  vifiting  meetings  as  follow- 
ieth,  viz.  Sandwich,  Yarmouth,  SuckanefFet, 
and  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Pembroke,  where 
we  met  our  friend  Samuel  Hopwood,  who 
was    arrived   at     Bofton   from   Englaud    a 
few  days  before,    in  company  with  Mofes 
Aldrich,  on  a  religious  vifit.     From  thence 
we    went    to    Boflon,     where    we    had    a 
meeting,    there    being   a   fmall  number  of 
friends  in  the  town ;  but  truth  never  pro- 
fpered  much  there:    it  feemed  to  me,  that 
fomething  of  the  fame  fpirit  was  yet  alive, 
and  to  be  felt,    that  formerly  would  have 
wholly  extirpated   our  friends,    and    truth 
as    held   by    them,    from    the  face  of    the 
earth,  and  prevailed  to  inflict  cruel  fufFer- 

ings 


48         Tiife    JOURNAL    of 

ings  on  many  of  the  Lord's  fervants,  four* 
of  whom  they  put  to  death,  as  is  related 
at  large  in  a  book  entitled,  New-England 
Judged,  written  by  George  Bilhop,  and  in 
Sewel's  Hiftory  of  the  People  called  Quakers. 
Happening  to  walk  into  the  prifon-yard,  I 
obferved  a  very  ancient  building,  which  I 
judged,^  by  its  appearance,  might  have  been 
the  fame  our  friends  had  formerly  fufFered 
very  great  hardfliips  in.  Upon  which  I  afked 
fome  prefent,  if  that  was  the  prilbn  their 
forefathers  put  our  friends  into?  A  woman 
anfwered,  Yes;  and  added,  '  It  was  a  very 
wicked  thing  of  the  rulers  of  that  time,  for 
the  land  had  fufFered  for  it  ever  fince;'  or 
to  that  import.  A  friend  of  Boilon  related 
to  me,  what  he  faid  he  had  from  an  ancient 
inhabitant  of  that  town,  who  had  feen  that 
wicked  adl  of  putting  to  death  the  four 
friends  as  above  hinted,  viz.  that  he  could 
well  remember  fine  wheat  growing  about 
and  near  Boflon;  that  he  never  knew  nor 
heard  of  any  wheat  blafted,  or  peafe  eaten 
by  bugs,  until  they  put  the  Quakers  to 
death ;  and  that  they  never  could  raife  ei- 
ther wheat  or  peafe  near  that  town  fince, 
perhaps  not  within  15.  or  20  miles^  though 
I  fuppofe  the  inhabitants  were  fo  often 
difappointed  formerly,  that  they  have  not 
attempted  to  raife  any  lately,  the  land  being 
generally  turned  to  grazing,  and  for  raifing 
Indian  corn.  They  feem  fenfible  of  the 
extraordinary  alteration^  but  I  fuppofe  few 

6i 


JOllN    GRIFFIFH.         49 

of  them  are  willing  to  attribute  it  to  that 
caufe.  I  had  fome  difcourfe  with  one  of 
the  inhabitants,  as  we  were  riding  toge- 
ther near  Bofton,  concerning  the  above- 
mentioned  wonderful  event.  He  pretended 
to  argue  a  natural  caufe  for  it ;  but  I  en- 
deavoured to  Ihew  him,  that  (according  to 
my  apprehenfion)  thofe  very  reafons  which 
he  advanced  to  prove  a  natural  caufe  for 
the  change,  if  they  proved  any  thing,  I 
thought  it  was  diredlly  the  contrary  of  what 
he  inteilded,  viz.  he  urged,  that  clearing 
away  the  woods  might  have  fo  changed  the 
nature  of  the  air,  as  to  have  produced  a 
blading  quality  therein.  But  if  the  airy, 
any  thing  refembles  the  watry  element 
herein,  the  freer  its  courfe,  and  the  lefs  the 
obftrucffcion  it  meets  with,  the  more  it  purges 
and  purifies  itfelf,  and  is  therefore  the  lefs 
capable  of  prodvicing  hurtful  confequences 
.either  to  vegetables  or  animals. 

We  pafled  on  from  thence,  and  had  meetings 
at  Lynn,  Salem,  Cachechy,  Dover,  Hampton, 
Haverhill,  Aimfbury,  Newbury,  Taunton, 
Coxett,  and  to  Dartmouth  yearly-meeting, 
which  was  held  there  and  at  Akuflmet  four 
days :  it  was  a  large  meeting.  After  which,  we 
had  meetings  at  Rochefter,  Freetown,  Swan- 
zey,  Leicefter,Smithfield,  Providence  Woods, 
at  one  Harris's,  Greenwich,  South  Kingfton, 
Connanicut-Ifland,  Portfmouth,  Tiverton, 
Little  Compton,  and  fo  to  Newport  again : 
divers  of  which  meetings  were  large.     The 

Lord 


50         The    JOURNAL    OF 

Lord  was  gracioufly  pleafed  to  furnifli  vis, 
according  to  the  occafion,  painfully  to  la- 
bour amongft  the  profeflfors  of  truth  in  thofe 
parts,  many  of  whom  appeared  to  us  igno- 
rant, in  a  forrowful  degree,  of  the  life  and 
nature  of  true  religion.  Our  fpirits  were 
often  very  deeply  baptized  on  their  account, 
in  great  travail,  that  Chrift  might  be  formed 
in  them.  It  was  a  very  exercifing  laborious 
jom-ney,  but  the  Lord  mercifully  made  all 
up  to  us,  by  the  comfortable  enjoyment  of 
his  love  and  peace  flowing  into  our  hearts. 
Glory  to  his  name  for  ever ! 

From  Newport  we  fet  our  faces  home- 
wards, taking  Wefterly  meeting  in  our  way, 
and  proceeded  through  the  colony  of  Con- 
nedlicut  to  Long-Ifland;  upon  which  we 
had  meetings  at  Cowneck,  Jofeph  Lea- 
tham's,  Jericho,  Weftbury,  Matinicock,  and 
lyere  at  the  quarterly-meeting  at  Flufliing. 
From  thence  we  crolTed  the  water  to  Weft- 
chefter  on  the  main;  got  thither  fome 
time  before  the  hour  appointed  for  the 
meeting,  and  ftaid  a  while  at  an  inn  in  the 
town.  The  landlady  coming  into  our  room 
in  a  pleafant  manner,  faid,  '  I  fuppofe  you 
are  travelling  friends  ?'  My  anfwer  was.  We 
are  travellers,  and  we  are  friends  ;  therefore 
we  are  travelling  friends;  *  But  I  fuppofe, 
faid  £he,  you  are  preachers;'  and  added, 
*  I  like  your  way  very  well,  as  you  come 
up  to  the  command  of  Chrift,  in  travel- 
ling about  as  you  do,  more  fully  than  our 

minifters. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  51 

minifters :  but  there  is  fomething  lack- 
ing with  you.'  What  is  that,  faid  I?  '  Why, 
faid  £he,  you  fhould  baptize  as  well  as  preach.' 
I  then  aiked  her  what  we  fhould  baptize 
withal.  She  replied,  '  With  water  to  be  fure; 
for  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  man  to  baptize 
with  any  thing  elfe.'  Upon  which,  I  fliewed 
her  from  the  holy  fcriptures,  that  the 
primitive  minifters  of  Chrift  were  fo  gifted^ 
as  to  be  able  to  baptize  believers  into  the^ 
name  or  power,  of  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghoft;  inftancing,  in  particular,  that 
paffage  of  Peter  at  the  houfe  of  Cornelius , 
Ad:s  xi.  15,  16.  ^^  And  as  I  began  to  fpeak, 
*'  the  Holy  Ghoft  fell  on  them,  as  on  us  at 
"  the  beginning.  Then  remembered  I  the 
"  word  of  the  Lord,  how  that  he  faid, 
"John  indeed  baptized  with  water;  but 
*'  ye  fliall  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghoft.'* 
It  is  evident  from  this  account,  that  by  the 
efFedlual  preaching  of  Peter,  the  Gentiles 
were  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghoft;  and  as 
the  dilpenfation  of  God  to  man  is  the  fanae 
now  it  was  then,  and  he  has  gracioully  pro- 
mifed  to  be  with  his  minifters  always  to  the 
end  of  the  world,  and  man,  by  nature  in  a 
fallen  degenerate  eftate,  as  much^  involved 
in  fin,  and  a  ftranger  to  God  as  he  was  then; 
no  good  reafons  can  be  given,  why  the  fam« 
powerful  efficacious  means  are  not  as 
neceflary  for  his  recovery,  by  a  reconcilia- 
tion with  his  maker,  as  they  were  at  that 
*=ime.      The  *  v^oman  w%\s  very  attentive  to 

H  what 


52         The    JOURNAL    of 

what  was  fald  on  the  occafion,  and  feemed 
pretty  much  affedled,  being  quite  filenced 
as  to  that  fubjedl.  We  invited  her  to  our 
meeting;  flie  told  us,  it  was  what  fhe  in- 
tended, and  alfo  to  prevail  with  her  huf- 
band  to  go  too,  if  llie  could,  but  doubted 
being  fuccefsful  therein.  However,  flie  and 
her  hufband  were  both  at  the  meeting,  and 
the  Lord  was  gracioufly  pleafed  to  give  us 
a  precious  opportunity  together,  wherein  I 
am  perfuaded  flie  was  made  in  fome  degree 
fenfible  of  that  baptizing  power,  which, 
in  a  comfortable  degree,  accompanied  the 
miniftry  that  day.  She  was  tendered,  and, 
at  parting,  with  tears  defired  us  to  remem- 
ber her  and  pray  for  her. 

After  this  meeting  we  proceeded  home- 
wards, taking  three  meetings  in  the  Jerfeys  as 
they  fell  in  our  way,  viz.  Elizabeth-Town, 
Woodbridge,  and  Stonybrook.  I  got  home 
the  yth  of  the  loth  month,  and  found  my 
dear  wife  and  family  well,  which  was 
cavife  of  mutual  thankfulnefs ;  having  per- 
formed near  as  much  in  about  three  months, 
as  was  ufually  done  in  about  four.  It  is 
very  necelTary  to  avoid  both  extremes  in 
travelling  on  truth's  account;  neither  to  be 
over-hafty,  nor  too  dilatory :  yet  I  have  al- 
ways found  great  fatisfadlion  and  peace,  in 
being  as  diligent  and  expeditious  therein, 
as  fits  eafy  on  the  mind,  and  the  conftitu- 
tion  of  body  will  bear ;  that  all  may  have 
caufe  to  be  fully  convinced,  we  travel  not 

for 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  53 

for  ovitward  pleafare,  but  from  a  neceffity 
laid  upon  us ;  which  will  certainly  add  con-^ 
fiderable  weight  to  our  fervice,  and  greatly 
tend,  in  the  eyes  of  mankind,  to  maintain 
the  credit  of  that  truly  difmterefled  gofpel-* 
miniftry,  the  Lord  hath  been  pleaied  to 
raife  up  amongft  us  as  a  people. 

Having  ftaid  at  home  fbme  time,  to 
make  neceflary  provifion  for  an  increafing 
family,  I  found  a  concern  upon  my  mind  to 
vifit  friends  a  fecond  time  on  Long-Iiland 
and  the  main  land  in  New- York  govern- 
ment, and  fet  out  in  order  thereunto,  the 
27th  of  the  8th  month,  1743;  being  ac^- 
companied  by  my  well  efteemed  friend, 
John  Sykes,  The  firft  meeting  we  attended 
on  the  ifland,  was  a  yearly-meeting,  which 
was  held  on  a  firft  day  at  Matinicock.  It 
was  a  large  precious  meeting;  many  not  of 
our  fociety  being  there,  the  Lord  was  plea- 
fed  to  open  the  dodlrine  of  his  kingdom 
largely,  and  his  glorious  truth  was  over  all ; 
to  whom  alone  be  the  praife  for  ever! 
Notice  was  given  at  this  meeting,  of  our 
intending  to  be  on  the  next  firft-day  at 
Weftbury,  not  far  from  this  place;  and 
that  week  we  had  meetings  at  Brook- 
haven,  Iflip,  Bethphage,  Rockaway,  Henry 
Willis's,  and  fo  to  the  before-mentioned 
meeting  on  firft-day.  Friends  came  to  it 
from  divers  parts  of  the  ifland,  and  alfo 
many  people  of  other  focieties,  fo  that  it 
was  a  very  large  meeting.     Their  expecffca- 

tion 


54         The    JOURNAL    ox 

tion  was  greatly  out  after  words,  which  the 
mailer  of  our  afTemblies  did  not  fee  meet  to 
gratify ;  for  we  were  ahnoft  wholly  Ihut  up 
as  to  miniftry;  which  I  hope  proved  a  pro- 
fitable lefTon  of  inftrucftion  to  many.  After 
this  meeting  we  crolfed  the  water,  and  had 
meetings  at  Weflchefter,  Mam-^roneck,  Long- 
reach,  and  Ryewoods ;  we  then  returned 
to  the  ifland,  and  had  meetings  at  Flulhing, 
Oyfter-bay,  Cowneck,  Fluihing  again,  and 
Newtown.  '  Having  finiihed  our  fcrvice 
thereaway,  we  travelled  homewards,  taking 
meetings  as  we  paiTed  along  in  Eait-Jerfey, 
at  Railway,  Plainfield,  and  Woodbridge ; 
and  in  Weft-Jerfey  at  Upper  Springfield, 
and  attende4  the  quarterly-meeting  at  Crof- 
wicks;  after  which  I  returned  home,  "nnd 
have  to  fay  with  thankfulnefs,  that  the 
Lord  was  to  me  in  this  little  journey, 
ftrength  in  weaknefs  and  riches  in  the 
time  of  poverty;  and  was  pleafed  to  con- 
dudl  me  fafe  to  my  dear  wife  and  family 
in  peace. 

About  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1744,  I 
found  my  mind  drawn  to  vifit  friends  meet- 
ings in  the  weftern  part  of  our  county; 
and  had  meetings  at  Eaft  and  Weft  Not- 
tingham, Deer-Creek,  New-Garden,  Lon- 
don-Grove, Ockeihan,  Kennet,  and  Con- 
cord. The  Lord  enabled  me,  either  to  do 
or  fliffer,  in  this  little  journey,  as  the  fame 
appeared  to  be  my  duty.  At  Ockeflian  I 
^vas    quite  fliut  up   as   to   words,    yet  had 

peacQ, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         55 

peace,  believing  it  was  my  bufinefs  that  day, 
as  it  hath  been  many  times  fince,  in  order 
(as  I  apprehend)  to  lead  others  into  fMence 
by  example;  as  being  the  moft  profitable 
ftate  they  or  I  can  polTibly  arrive  at  in 
mutability,  in  order  to  attain  a  right  un- 
derdanding  of  all  religious  duties. 

Soon  after  my  return  home,  I  went  into 
Weft-Jerfey,  to  vifit  the  follov^ing  meet- 
ings as  I  found  my  mind  drawn  thereunto, 
viz.  Haddonfield,  Ghefter,  Evefliam,  Mountr 
Holly,  Ancocas,  Old-Springfield,  Tren- 
ton, and  Burlington  quarterly-meeting, 
in  which  I  had  good  fatisfadlion.  I  think 
it  was  about  this  time,  I  went  in  company 
with  my  well-beloved  friend  Michael  Light- 
foot,  to  the  yearly-meetings  at  Cecil,  and 
Treadhaven  in  Maryland,  wherein  we 
were  greatly  favoured.  He  returned  home- 
wards from  Maryland,  but  I  went  to  fome 
meetings  in  the  lower  counties  of  Kent  and 
Newcaftle,  had  a  meeting  at  Duck-Creek, 
and  went  to  the  yearly-meeting  at  Little- 
Creek,  which  was  a  very  precious  meeting, 
divine  goodnefs  greatly  pverlhadowing  the 
fame,  to  the  tendering  many  hearts.  From, 
thence  I  went  to  George's-Creek,  and  New- 
caftle, and  returned  home. 

I  have  no  account  by  me,  of  any  other 
journey  in  the  fervice  of  truth,  until  the 
id  month  J  746,  that  I  went  in  company 
with  our  worthy  friend  before-mentioned, 
to  the  yearly-meeting  at  Salem,  in  Weft- 
Jerfey;    an<J  vifited  Cohanfey,    and  Pilei- 

grove 


^6         The    JOURNAL    of 

grove  meeting.  In  the  3d  month  the  fame 
year,  I  went  to  Chefterfield  quarterly- 
mieeting  in  the  Jerfeys,  and  had  meetings 
at  Stony-Brook,  Burlington,  and  Haddon- 
field. 

In  the  5th  month  the  fame  year,  I  vi- 
fited  the  county  of  Bucks,  and  had  meet- 
ings at  Middletown,  Briftol,  the  Falls, 
Wrights-Town,  Buckingham,  and  Plum- 
fted;  taking  North- Wales  meeting  in  my 
Return  home.  The  Lord  was  my  fure 
help  and  fufficiencyin  all  thefe  journies, 
affording  the  comfortable  enjoyment  of 
fweet  peace  in  my  return:  to  whom  the 
praife  (if  any  fervice  was  done)  is,  and  I 
hope  ever  will  be,  freely  offered  up ;  for  he 
alone  is  worthy  thereof  for  ever ! 

Soon  after  my  return  home,  great  and 
inexpreffible  afflic5lions  were  permitted  to 
befal  me,  and  my  greatly  afBicled  family, 
mofl  of  whom  were  feized  with  the  bloody- 
flux  ;  of  which  diflemper  I  buried  a  daughter 
between  four  and  five  years  old,  and  was 
taken  very  ill  myfelf  of  the  fame  diforder: 
in  which  time,  my  dear  wafe  was  deliver- 
ed of  a  child,  and  for  a  week  or  ten  days 
after  appeared  hopeful  to  do  well  and  , 
recover;  but  being,  in  that  condition,  taken 
with  the  before-mentioned  diftemper,  was 
in  a  fhort  time  removed  from  me  by 
death,  leaving  me  three  fmall  children, 
the  youngeft  about  two  weeks  and  three 
days  old.     I  found  the  Lord  near  to  fup- 

port 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  57 

port  my  diftrefTed  drooping  fpirit  under 
this  great  affliftion.  I  well  remember, 
when  my  dear  wife  lay  with  great  fymp- 
toms  of  death  upon  her  (having  alfo  fome- 
times,  as  I  thought,  intervals  of  hopeful 
fymptoms)  my  mind  was  in  a  very  great 
and  painful  fludluation  between  hope  and 
fear.  It  feemed  to  me  then  impoffible  to 
give  her  up  for  death,  and  to  be  wholly 
feparated  from  fo  valuable  a  companion; 
but  the  Lord,  who  formerly  rebuked  the 
winds  and  allayed  the  ragings  of  the  fea, 
was  pleafed,  as  in  an  inftant,  to  bring  an 
holy  calmnefs  over  my  mind,  in  which 
there  was  an  intire  refignation  to  his  divine 
will ;  f b  that  I  could  fay,  with  Job  of  old, 
**  The  Lord  giveth,  and  the  Lord  taketh 
*^  away,  blefTed  be  his  name."  I  did  not, 
from  that  time,  look  upon  her  as  any  more 
mine,  but  gave  her  up  into  his  hands  who 
had  kindly  beftowed  her  upon  me.  I  write 
this  by  way  of  encouragement  to  others,, 
that  they  may  live  in  the  fgar  of  God,, 
and  give  up  in  fteady  obedience  to  his  re-- 
quirings ;  and  then,  I  am  well  afTured,  they 
may  lean  upon  him  in  all  their  afflidlions, 
and  they  will  find  to  their  comfort,  that 
thofe  things  which  appear  impoffible  with 
man,  are  poffible  v/ith  God ;  who  will  make 
hard  things  eafy  and  bitter  things  fweet  to 
his  humble  followers.  She  departed  this 
life  the  2 2d  of  the  7th  month,  1746;  we 
having  lived  together  near  nine  years. 

I 


58         The    JOURNAL    of 

I  have  this  fhort  teftunony  to  give  con- 
cerning my  dear  deceafed  wife;  that  fhe 
made  it  her  early  care  to  lead  a  fober  and 
virtuous  life ;  and  I  know  a  godly  concern 
remained  upon  her  mind,  to  keep  a  con- 
fcience  void  of  offence,  both  towards  God 
and  man ;  being  engaged  (according  to  abi- 
lity received)  for  the  promotion  of  the 
blefTed  truth,  and  gladly  entertained  the 
Lord's  faithful  labourers;  eftceming  it  a 
bleffmg  to  be  favoured  with  their  company. 
And  when  I  found  a  concern  to  travel 
abroad  in  the  fervice  of  truth,  fhe  freely 
gave  me  up  thereunto;  having,  with  great 
fatisfa.6lion,  to  acknowledge  the  Lord's 
goodnefs,  in  favouring  her  with  true  peace 
and  contentment  in  my  abfence ;  and  alfo, 
in  a  fteady  truft  and  dependance  on  his 
providence,  for  our  fupport  every  way  in  a 
faithful  difcharge  of  duty. 

She  was  favoured  with  great  calmnefs 
and  refignation  to  the  divine  will,  in  her 
laft  illnefs,  either  to  live  or  die;  fignify- 
ing,  that  fhe  did  not  find  any  thing  in 
the  way ;  and  that,  if  it  pleafed  the  Lord 
to  remove  her  out  of  this  world,  fhe  hoped 
it  would  be  a  glorious  change  to  her,  and 
that  fhe  fhould  go  to  her  little  innocent 
babes  who  were  gone  before  her;  often 
confefhng  the  Lord's  goodnefs  in  ^ving 
her  fo  much  eafe  both  of  body  and  mind: 
She  was  very  loving  to  thofe  who  vifited 
her  in  her  illnefs,  and  faidj'flie  had  no- 
thing 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         59 

thing  but  love  and  goodwill  to  all.  Sh« 
took  her  leave  of  our  children  in  a  very 
tender  and  affedlionate  manner,  committing 
them  to  divine  providence,  and  expreffing 
her  belief,  that  his  watchful  care  would 
be  over  them  when  Ihe  was  gone.  The 
apprentice  and  fervant  boys  were  called  for, 
at  her  requeft;  flie  took  them  by  the  hand, 
and  in  a  loving  tender  manner,  gave  them 
good  advice;  an  heavenly  fweetnefs  accom- 
panying her  words,  which  much  affedled 
thofe  prefent.  She  difcovered  great  near- 
nefs  of  aifedlion  to  me^  to  almoll  the  very 
lalf ,  and  ih  departed  this  life  in  fweet  peace, 
of  which  I  was  favoured,  after  her  removal 
from  me,  with  a  certain  evidence  to  my 
unfpeakablc  fatisfacSlion ;  whereby  I  plainly 
faw  my  great  lofs  was  her  everlafting  gain, 
and  was  enabled  to  bow  in  humble  ae- 
quiefcence  to  the  divine  will,  who  knows 
what  is  beft,  and  orders  all  things  in  per- 
fedl  wifdom. ' 

Being  apprehenfive  that  I  fliould  be  edn- 
cerned  to  travel  pretty  much  abroad  in  th& 
fervice  of  truth,  for  fbme  years;  I  thought 
it  my  duty,  as  foon  as  I  conveniently  could^ 
to  place  my  children  where  they  might  be 
trained  up  in  the  way  of  truth,  and  to  go 
myfelf  out  of  bulinefs.  This  vievV  or  ap- 
prehenfion  of  things,  had  been  gradually 
coming  upon  my  mind  for  a  conliderable 
time;  but  now  the  weight  thereof  much 
incrcafed;  the  time  alfo  of  entering  there-? 

I  upon. 


6o         The  t  JOURNAL    or 

iipon,  appearing  pretty  clear  to  my  mind 
having  found  it  my  incumbent  duty,  not 
only  to  wait  for  a  full  confirmation  of  a 
right  call  to  travel  abroad  in  the  work  of 
the  miniftry,  but  alfo  to  know  the  accept- 
able time  for  engaging  therein;  all  which 
will  be  fully  difcovered  by  fuch,  as  with 
a  fingle  eye  to  God's  glory,  defire,  above 
all  things,  to  be  found  faithful. 

The  firft  journey  I  entered  upon,  was 
a  fecond  vifit  to  friends  in  New-England. 
I  fet  out  in  order  thereunto,  the  23d  of  the 
3d  month,  1747,  and  was  at  two  meetings 
in  Burlington  next  day.  From  thence  I 
went  to  a  quarterly-meeting  at  Chefter- 
field;  after  which  I  got  to  Flufhing  on 
Long-Ifland  the  27th.  Next  day  I  at- 
tended their  week-day  meeting.  The  year- 
ly-meeting for  that  province  then  came 
on,  which  held  four  days.  It  was  large, 
and  the  divine  prefence  appeared  therein  to 
our  mutual  comfort  and  ftrength. 

The  2d  of  the  4th  month,  being  four 
in  number,  we  fet  out  for  Rhode-Ifland; 
pafling  through  the  colony  of  Connsfticut*, 
we  met  with  civil  courteous  ufage,  as  be- 
fore, when  I  travelled  through  that  country. 
I  felt  great  love  in  my  heart  towards  them, 
in  which  I  had  a  ftrong  perfuafion,  if  not 
fomething  of  a  forefight,  that  truth,  in  the 
Lord's  time,  will  break  forth  and  fpread 
in  that  colony.  For  though  I  believe  fuper- 
•ftition  and  bigotry   are  very  predominant 

amongft 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         6i 

amongft   them;    yet  they  appeared  to  me 
in  general,    a  cleaner  people  in  their  mo- 
rals,   than  in  many  other  places   where  I 
have    travelled.      At  New-Haven    in    that 
colony,    they  have  a  college    in    order  to 
train  up  their,  minifters,  &c.     I  found  an 
inclination  t6   go  amongft   the    collegians, 
who  gathered  about   me,    carrying    them- 
felves  civil   and  refpedful.      I    had   much 
difcourfe    and   reafoning   with   them    con- 
cerning our  principles :  they  appearing  de- 
firous    of    information,    I    anfwered    their 
queftions    in  a  concife   manner;    referring 
them  to  Robert  Barclay's  apology  (which  I 
fuppofed  they  had  in   their  library)  for  a 
further  explanation   thereof.      I   could  not 
help  remarking,  with  pleafure,  the  becom- 
ing order  they  obferved  in  their  queftions 
and  anfwers :  one  at  once,  without  the  leaft 
flout,  jeer,    or  any  thing  like  mockery.     I 
found  work  alfo  amongft  them,  to  remove 
the  prejudice  fome  had  imbibed  againft  us 
as  a  people,  on  account  of  the  wicked  and 
frantick    behaviour    and    conduct   of    one 
Rogers    and    his  followers;    who,   I  think, 
dwelt   about    New-London    in    that    pro- 
vince,   calling    themfelves    Quakers ;     and 
as  there  were  none  of  the  right  fort,  that  ' 
people  might  fee  the  difference,   they  were 
ready  to  conclude,   that  all  the  people  cal- 
led  Quakers  were   fuch,    to   the  great  re- 
proach of  our  fociety.     I  declared  to  them, 
that  their  adions  were  as  much  abhorred 

by 


6%         The    JOURNAL    ov 

by  us,  as  they  could  be  by  'any  people  what- 
ever; that  Rogers  and  his  company  of  ran- 
ters were  no  more  of  our  fociety  than  they 
were  of  theirs;  that  it  would  be  very  hai»d 
and  unjuft,  if  we,  as  a  people,  fliould  be  de- 
famed, by  means  of  a  crew,  whom  we 
had  nothing  farther  to  do  with,  than  to 
let  the  world  know  our  abhorrence  of  their 
practices,  and  that  they  took  our  name  upon 
them,  in  all  probability,  as  a  cloak  to  cover 
their  wickednefs.  Thefe  young  fludents 
readily  admitted  what  I  laid  to  be  very  jvifl 
and  reafonable.  I  believe  this  opportnnity 
tended  to  the  reputation  of  our  fociety; 
and  am  fure  it  was  to  my  comfort  and 
fatisfadlion ;  feeling  the  love  of  God  flow 
in  mine  heart  towards  thofe  young  men, 
fome  of  whom  I  did  not  think  far  from 
the  kingdom.  I  called  again  to  fee  them 
in  my  return,  and  gave  them  fome  books, 
viz,  two  letters  written  by  Samuel  Crifp, 
giving  reafons  why  he  johied  with  the  peo- 
ple called  Quakers;  a  Treatife  on  Bap- 
tifm,  by  William  Dell;  and  I  think  fome 
others,  but  do  not  now  particularly  re- 
member; which  they  received  very  kindly, 
ftill  carrying  themfelves  refpe(5lful  to  me. 
Now  I  am  on  thefe  remarks,  I  cannot  well 
omit  taking  notice  pf  the  great  difference 
pbferved  by  me  fince  in  the  nation  of  Eng- 
land, at  the  two  great  univerfities,  in  th^ 
t)ehaviour  of  the  ftadents,  whom  they  pre- 
tend  to   be   training   up   for   gofpel-mini*- 

fters. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         63 

fters,  and  for  fome  other  employments  to 
get  a  living  by.  Oh  !  what  floutings,  jeer- 
ings,  mockings,  and  deriding  of  that  which 
is,  ferious  and  humble  like  true  religion! 
as  though  to  w^ork  out  our  falvatlon  with 
fear  and  trembling,  were  not  now  the  way 
to  the  kingdom  of  God;  but  that  a  fuf- 
ficient  all u ranee,  to  feoff  at  and  ridicule 
what  in  the  primitive  church  and  by  the 
people  of  God  in  all  ages,  was  accounted 
religious,  were  now  the  diftinguiihing  mark 
of  true  Chriftians,  and  minifters  of  the 
gofpel.  How  have  they  frequently  broken 
in  upon  our  peaceable  quiet  meetings,  like 
the  raging  foaming  waves  of  a  troubled  fea, 
calling  up  mire  and  dirt!  Such  a  con- 
ducft  gives  fober  difcerning  people,  caufe 
to  look  upon  them  as  a  neft  of  unclean 
birds;  who,  inflead  of  promoting  true  re- 
ligion, may  be  inftrumental  to  fubvert  it. 
I  have  often  wondered,  feeing  the  condufl: 
of  many  of  thefe  pretended  gofpel-mini Iters 
is  obvioully  fo  very  bad,  not  only  whilft 
they  are  learning  the  trade  of  preaching, 
but  alfo  in  their  following  the  fame  for 
a  livelihood ;  how  it  comes  to  pafs  that  the 
people  bear  them.  One  reafon  that  appears, 
is,  the  laws  of  the  land  are  much  in  their 
favour;  but  the  principal  reaion  is,  that 
people,  in  aim  ft  a  general  Avay,  are  ftran-r 
gers  to  the  life  and  power  of  true  religion ; 
^eing  fatisfied  with  a  profeilion  thereof, 
and   having  itching   ears,    heaji  to  them-:? 

feives 


64         The    JOURNAL    OP 

felves  teachers;  erroneoufly  fuppoling  the 
principal  part  of  religion  to  confift  in  per- 
forming what  they  call  religious  duties ; 
as  hearing  fermons,  prayers,  and  finging 
pfalms,  8cc.  fome  of  the  hearers  being  fb 
dark  as  to  fay,  fuch  a  one  is  a  good  teacher, 
though,  perhaps,  a  drunkard,  a  fwearer,  or 
guilty  of  other  evils.  It  is  plain,  that  the 
Itrengch  and  fecurity  of  fuch  minifters,  is 
in  the  darknefs  and  ignorance  of  people's 
minds.  We  do  not  read  in  the  Revela- 
tions, of  the  locufts  coming  upon  the  earth, 
until  the  fmoke  arofe  out  of  the  bottomlefs 
pit  and  darkened  the  fun  and  air;  and 
whenever  the  children  of  men  ihall,  in  a 
general  way,  turn  to  the  light  of  the  Sun 
of  Righteoufnefs  in  their  own  hearts, 
inyftery  Babylon,  the  mother  of  harlots, 
mud  fall,  and  thefe  her  merchants  will 
be  wholly  rejected.  All  their  abominable 
craft  will  be  fully  difcovered.  Great  will 
be  their  torment,  fear,  and  diftrefs  in  that 
day!  The  Lord  Almighty  haften  the  time 
for  his  own  name's  fake,  when  all  craft 
violence,  and  fliedding  of  human  blood  may 
be  at  an  end;  and  righteoufnefs  cover  the 
earth,  as  water  covers  the  fea ! 

Some  of  the  inhabitants  of  New-Haven 
fignified  their  defire  that  we  Ihould  appoint 
a  meeting  there,  but  we  did  not  find  fuf- 
ficient  ftrength  and  courage  to  anfwer  their 
requeft;  fo  proceeded  on  our  journey,  and 
got  to  Newport,  on  Rhode-Ifland,  the  8th 

of 


JOHN  ^GRIFFITH.         65 

<5f  the  7th  month.  Here  we  were  kindly 
received  by  friends,  and  attended  their 
yearly-meeting,  which  begun  at  Portf- 
mouth,  where  it  held  only  one  day,  being 
a  meeting  for  Worfliip;  after  which,  the 
meetings  for  worfliip  and  buiinefs  were 
held  four  days  at  Newport :  they  were  very 
large  and  divinely  favoured,  fo  that  thofe 
who  depended  on  the  Lord  alone  for  wif- 
dom  and  ftrength,  were  enabled  to  come 
up  in  the  difcharge  of  their  refpedlive  duties, 
to  their  peace  and  comfort.  When  thi& 
great  meeting  was  over,  I  had  meetings  at 
Tiverton,  Little  Compton,  Accoakefet,  and 
Aponyganfet,  on  firft-day,  and  was  at  their 
monthly-meeting  on  fecond-day.  Next 
morning,  about  eight  o'clock,  I  went  on 
board  a  vefTel  bound  to  the  ifland  of  Nan- 
tucket, John  Hanes  mailer,  where  we  ar- 
rived about  one  o'clock  next  morning.  I 
ft  aid  upon  this  ifland  about  fix  days,  and 
was  at  their  yearly  and  monthly-meetings  j 
having  good  fatisfaction  therein.  I  re- 
turned in  the  fame  veflel,  and  landed  on 
the  continent  in  about  fix  hours  j  had  a 
meeting  at  Falmouth,  and  went  to  their 
m^onthly-meeting  at  Sandwich,  and  attend- 
ed the  quarterly-meeting  which  was  held 
there.  Here  I  met  with  divers  friends  from 
our  parts  who  were  on  the  fervice  of  truth. 
We  had  very  clofe  fearching  laborious  fer- 
vice amongft  them,  as  things  were  very  low 
and  much  out  of  order ;    in  part  owing  to 

the 


66         TtiE    JOtJRl^AL    c5^ 

the  neglect  of  fome  members  whofe  minds 
had  been  too  much  taken  np  with  earthly 
things  to  watch  over  the  flock,  as  thofe 
who  muft  give  an  account.  We  endeavour- 
ed to  lay  the  weight  of  things  more  clofcly 
upon  the  adlive  members,  and  left  them  to 
the  Lord's  dealings;  knowing,  "  that  al- 
*'  though  Paul  may  plant,  and  Apollos  may 
*'  water,  it  is  he  alone  that  can  give  the 
**  increafe." 

I  went  from  thence  to  Pembroke,  where 
I  had  a  meeting;  and  through  Bofton  to 
Lynn,  where  I  had  a  meeting  alfo;  thence  to 
Salem  monthly- meeting,  and  returned  to 
Bofton,  and  had  two  meetings  there,  being 
firfl-day.  From  thence  I  went  diredlly  to 
Rhode-lfland,  and  had  meetings  at  Portf- 
mouth,  and  Newport,  to  good  fatisfadion : 
the  Lord  giving  power  and  dominion,  by 
the  blefled  eificacy  of  his  pure  word  of 
life,  over  all  of  a  contrary  nature  to  itfelf, 
whereby  I  was  enabled  to  clear  my  mind, 
to  my  great  eafe  and  comfort.  I  then  re- 
turned homewards  with  much  fatisfadlion 
and  peace  of  mind ;  taking  meetings  in  my 
way  at  Connanicut-lfland,  and  South 
Kingfton ;  fo  proceeded  on  my  jouriTey 
through  Connecticut,  and  lodged  at  New- 
Haven.  1  fpent  part  of  a  day  in  conver- 
fation,  and  reafoning  with  fome  well  dif- 
pofed  people,  to  fatisfadlion.  I  alfo  vifited 
the  Undents  as  before  hinted;  after  which 
I  proceeded  on  my  journey  to  Long-Reach, 

where 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  67 

whei=e  1  had  a  meeting,  and  went  to  the  year- 
iy-ineeting  at  We£l~Che(ler.      From  thence 
I  travelled  homewards,    having,  as  hereto- 
fore,   caufe  to  be  humbly   thankful   to  the 
fountain  of  all  goodnefs,  vs^ho  was  near  to 
help  as  the  eye  was  fingle  to  him,    in   all 
proving  times,  whether  in  heights  or  depths ; 
and  as  he  was  waited  upon,  gave  wifdom 
and  utterance.      I  defire  he  alone  m.ay  for 
ever  have  the  praifc  and  glory,  if  any  good 
is    done;    as    there    is    no   good   but   what 
proceeds  from  him.      I  had  not  been  long 
returned  from  the  before-mentioned  jour- 
ney,   when    I    laid    before    the    monthly- 
meeting  I   belonged  to,     a  concern    which 
had  been  u|oon  my  mind  fome  years,    to 
vifit  the  churches  in  divers  parts  of  Great- 
Britain    and    Ireland ;     defiring    their   con- 
currence and  certiiicate,    if,    upon  weighty 
deliberation,     they    found    unity    with    my 
propofal;   iniimaclng  the  time  for  entering 
upon  that  rolemn  undertaking  had  appeared 
to  me   for   fome  time  to  be  drawing  near, 
and    that   I   Ihould   look  out   for   a  palfage 
before    the    end   of    the    year.       A    certifi- 
cate was  prepared,  letting  forth  their  unity 
with  my  lervice  in  the  miniftry,  and  v/itli 
'my   intended    journey ;     defiring    my     la- 
bours   therein  might    tend   to    the    edifica- 
tion of  the  cluircheis  v/here  my  lot  fhould 
be  caft ,    and  for  my  return  to  them  again 
in  '  peace ;    alio   exprefTmg   that    I    had  fet- 
tled my  outward  alTairs  lo  the  fatisfavStion 

K  of 


68         The    JOURNAL    of 

of  that  meeting :  for  I  had  acquaintccJ 
friends  how  I  had  fettled  them,  as  I  thought 
it  concerned  them  to  be  fatisfied  in  that, 
as  well  as  other  things ;  it  being  my  ear- 
neft  defire  to  have  the  fviU  concurrence 
of  my  brethren  in  fo  great  an  under- 
taking* 

I  took  fome  little  turns  in  vifiting  adja- 
cent meetings ;  and  before  the  yearly-meet- 
ing came  on,  I  went  to  North-Wales  meet- 
ing, and  about  twenty  miles  further  up 
the  country  to  Richland,  in  order  to  take 
my  leave  of  fome  friends  and  relations,  as 
well  as  to  vifit  that  meeting.  In  my  re- 
turn homewards  I  was  taken  very  ill  of 
what  is  there  called  the  yellow  fever;  be- 
caufe  the  patient  is  thereby  turned  as  yellow 
as  if  he  had  the  jaundice.  I  reached  to  the 
houfe  of  my  worthy  friend,  Thomas  Foulke, 
who,  with  his  good  wife  and  children, 
were  as  affecflionately  kind  to  me  as  if  I 
had  been  one  of  their  neareft  relations.  But 
this  malignant  fever  greatly  increafed  upon 
me.  My  filler  was  fent  for,  and  feveral 
doctors  were  employed.  Thofe  who  faw 
me  concluded  all  was  over,  and  that  I  mufl 
depart  out  of  this  life.  I  took  little  no- 
tice of  any  thing;  yet  I  think  I  was  for  the 
moft '  part  fenfible,  and  could  perceive  I 
was  given  up  for  death,  by  thofe  who  had 
the  c;ire  of  me.  Once  they  thought  I  was 
near  drawing  my  lafl  breath;  they  therefore 
drew  a  pillow  from  under  m^y  head,   and 

unbuttoned 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         69 

unbuttoned  the  neckband  of  my  fliirt,  out 
of  kindnefs,  to  make  the  Uft  ftruggle  be- 
tween Hfe  and  death  the  eafier.  For  my 
part,  I  could  not  fee  how  it  would  go  with 
me;  but  had  not  much,  if  any  apprehen- 
fion  of  being  taken  away  by  death  at  that 
time.  This  fore  illnefs  happening  in  the 
yearly-meeting  time,  which  was  held  that 
year  at  Philadelphia,  I  requefted  the  cer- 
tificate I  had  obtained  of  the  monthly- 
meeting,  for  my  intended  journey  into  Eng- 
land, &c.  might  be  laid  before  the  yearly- 
meeting  of  minifters  and  elders  (as  is  ufugil 
in  fuch  cafes)  for  the  concurrence  of  friends ; 
and  if  they  found  freedom  and  unity  there- 
with, to  fignify  the  fame  to  the  brethren 
in  England,  by  an  indorlement  thereon. 
It  was  laid  before  the  faid  meeting  by  my 
good  friend  Michael  Lightfoot,  and  the 
meetings  free  concurrence  obtained;  it  was 
ligned  by  a  very  great  number  of  friends. 
This  was  done  when  many  thought  there 
would  be  no  occafion  for  a  certificate,  as 
they  fully  expedled  it  was  near  over  with 
me,  as  to  this  world.  But  I  was  not  eafy  to 
mifs  fo  good  an  opportunity  of  having  a 
concern  of  fo  great  importance  folidly  weigh- 
ed by  fuch  a  fubftantial  body  of  friends; 
as  I  was  not  likely  to  have  fuch  another 
opportunity,  if  the  Lord  Ihould  be  pleafed 
to  raife  me  up  again.  This  fore  illnefs 
brought  me  very  low  indeed,  fo  that  when" 
the  fever  abated,  and  I  was  fit  to  be  helped 

out 


70         The    JOURNAL    of 

out  of  bed,  I  could  not  ftand  alone;  yet  I 
recovered  to  admiration ;  being  able,  in 
about  a  week,  to  ride  home  in  a  chaife, 
about  twenty-fix  miles ;  whicli  1  bore  very 
vveli.  On  my  return  home,  my  friends  and 
neighbours  came  to  fee  me,  greatly  rejoice- 
ing  at  my  recovery^  which  they  did  not 
cxpecl  from  wliat  ibme  had  feen  and 
others  had  heard,  for  feveral  of  them  vifited 
me  in  my  illnefs.  This  wi:s  a  time  of  deep 
probation  to  me  both  inwardly  and  out- 
wardly;  being  tried,  as  I  fbmetimcs  have 
been  when  great  wcaknefs  of  body  hath 
been  upon  me,  with  ibre  and  diftreiTmg 
poverty  of  fpirit;  not  haying  diftinct  fatis- 
faftion  and  clearnefs  in  my  own  mind 
how  it  was  with  me  as  to  m.y  inward  con- 
dition, judging  an  evidence  of  peace  and 
comfort  from  the  holy  fpirit  would  be  a 
wonderful  fupport  at  fucU  times  of  bodily 
afflidion;  and  have  found  it  fo,  when  it 
hath  pleafed  the  Lord  to  favour  me  there- 
with. But  he  knows  vvhat  is  bed  and  moft 
fvii table  for  us ;  and  therefore  I  hnd  by  ex- 
perience, it  is  the  fafeft  way  to  reiign  our 
wills  to  his  holy  will ;  as  we  muit,  for  the 
moft  part,  whilll  in  this  militant  (late, 
walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight.  I  am  fully 
perfuaded  fuch  trying  difpcnfations  of  di- 
vine providence  to  us,  arc  greatly  profitable 
for  our  growth  in  the  way  that  is  VvcU 
pleanng  to  him ;  and  if  patiently  borne, 
will,    in  his  time,    be  a  means  to  work  for 

us 


JOHiN    GRIFFITH.          71 

us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory. 

Soon  after  my  health  was  rellored,  an 
ancient  friend  whofe  name  was  Peter. 
Davis,  from  New-England,  €arae  to  Phi- 
ladelphia in  order  to  take  a  paflage  for 
England,  and  our  friepd  Thomas  Gawthrop 
having  performed  a  religious  viiit  to  friends 
on  the  continent  of  America,  intending  to 
embark  Ihortly  for  the  fame,  with  liaac 
Greenleaf  a  friend  on  trade,  I  joined 
them;  all  agreeing  to  take  our  pailage  in 
a  new  fliip  bound  ior  London. 

One  thing  I  would  jiifl  remark,  that 
fome  friends,  and,  as  I  underRood,  Ibme 
others  alfo,  taking  notice  how  providentially 
publick  friends  had  been  prelerved  during 
the  war  which  was  then  with  France  and 
Spain,  fo  that  none  of  them  had  been 
taken  by  the  enemy,  did  prefume  thereon; 
and  w^ould  fay  There  is  nt)  need  to  infure 
goods  in  that  fliip,  as  fo  many  publick 
friends  are  going  in  her,  flie  will  doubt- 
lefs  go  fafe.  1  much  diiliked  this  (as  I 
thought)  unjuflifiable  confidence,  leeing  the 
judgments  of  the  Lord  are  a  great  deep, 
being  unfearchable,  and  his  ways  pafl  our 
finding  out.  It  becomes  us  in  all  our 
undertakings,  to  commit  ourfelves  and  all 
we  have  into  his  hands,  in  hum.blc  rc- 
fignation  to  do  or  fuffer  v\7h?ttevcr  his  wif- 
dom  may  point  out  or  permit  to  fall 
upon    us,    for   the  trial  of   our   faith   and 

patience; 


72         The    JOURNAL    of 

patience;  as  his  mercy,  power,  and  gooJnefs 
are  as  confpicuous  in  preferving,  delending, 
and  carrying  us  through  great  and  uncom- 
mon probations  to  his  giory,  conlequently 
to  our  own  advantage  in  the  end,  as  in 
wholly  exempting  us  from  them.  Even 
Job  had  no  caufe  to  complain  of  his  un- 
parallelled  affliflions,  when  they  were  over 
and  he  faw  how  greatly  he  had  profited 
thereby.  A  friend  faid  to  me  before  we 
embarked,  he  did  not  pretend  to  determine 
whether  we  Ihould  be  taken  or  not;  but 
however  that  might  happen,  he  did  be- 
lieve fome  friends  in  our  ftation  would  be 
taken ;  not  only  to  check  that  unwarrantable 
confidence  in  fbme,  both  friends  and  others, 
but  he  alfo  apprehended,  a  fervice  might 
arife  from  fuch  being  call  amongft  thofc 
dark  people,  though  againft  their  will.  I 
did  not  pretend  any  alfurance  in  my  own 
mind,  of  prefervation  out  of  the  enemies 
hands;  but  was  made  willing  to  commit 
my  foul,  body,  and  all  that  1  had  imto  the 
Lord,  as  into  the  hands  of  a  faithful  Creator, 
not  doubting  the  fufficiency  <^f  his  power 
for  prefervation  in  every  condition  of  life. 

On  the  30th  of  the  9th  month  1747,  the 
before-mentioned  friends,  who  were  to  be 
my  companions  upon  the  mighty  ocean, 
fet  out  from  Philadelphia  in  order  to  em- 
bark at  Chefter,  in  company  with  many 
friends,  and  called  for  me  at  my  houfe 
in  Derby,    being  the  direcft  road.     Myielf, 

and 


JOHN    GRIFFIFH.         73 

and  a  confiderablc  number  of  friends  and 
neighbours  joined  them,  and  proceeded  to 
Chefter  that  night ;  where,  at  the  houfe  of 
our  ancient  friend  Grace  Lloyd,  we  had  a 
fblemn  meeting.  Next  day,  being  the  ift 
of  the  loth  month,  about  two  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  we  took  leave  of  friends 
in  great  love  and  tendernefs,  and  went  on 
board  the  lliip,  which  fell  down  the  river 
that  evening  a  little  lower  than  Newcaftle. 
Ne^lt  day  in  the  evening,  we  came  to  an 
anchor  near  Reedy-Iiland,  where  w^e  were 
detained  by  a  great  ftorm  of  wind  and  rain 
until  the  5th  in  the  morning,  w^hen  wc 
fet  fail  with  a  fair  w^ind,  taking  our  depar- 
ture from  the  Gapes  of  the  Delaware  about 
fix  the  fame  evening.  The  wind  continued 
fair  for  the  mod  part,  though  very  ftrong, 
and  a  following  fea  running  exceeding  high 
until  the  i8th;  when,  according  to  their 
calculation,  we  had  run  about  two-thirds 
of  our  pafTage;  feldom  having  more  than  a 
forefail  fet,  and  that  fometimes  reefed,  and 
at  other 'times  double  reefed.  As  we  had 
fuch  a  high  following  fea,  it  was  thought 
the  fliip  was  a-head  of  their  reckoning. 
From  the  iSth  to  the  23d  the  wind  con- 
tinued pretty  fair,  but  more  moderate  than 
before.  Then  it  turned  about  to  the  eaft- 
ward  and  blew  exceeding  hard,  with  a  very 
high  fea,  until  the  29th,  in  which  time  we 
lay  to,  and  drove  about  witherfoever  the 
wind  and  waves  could  carrv  ui.     We  could 

get 


74         The    JOURNAL    OF 

get  very  little  or  nothing  forward,  but  were 
exceedingly  toiied.  This  was  indeed  a  very 
trying  tune;  the  motion  of  the  waves  was 
fo  violent,  that  though  flie  was  a  ftrong  new 
lliip,  Ihe  was  beat  upon  with  fo  much  force 
as  to  make  her  crack  from  end  to  end  in  a 
jliocking  manner,  as  if  {he  would  have 
been  broken  to  pieces.  I  then  thought  thofe 
in  my  iituation  had  good  reafon  to  know 
well  what  they  were  about,  and  what  they 
expofed  themfelves  to.  fuch  dangers  for; 
that  they  had  great  need  to  have  the  mighty 
Ruler  of  the  lea  and  land  for  their  friend. 
For  if  he  had  been  pleafed  to  withdraw 
his  protection,  there  was  only  about  a  two- 
inch  plank  between  us  and  eternity,  which 
was  to  me  very  awful  at  that  time  to  think 
of;  for  I  was  not  without  my  tolTmgs  and 
combats  of  mind,  at  times,  during  theie  out- 
ward probations.  The  29th  proved  a  J&ne 
day,  fo  that  they  had  a  good  obfervation, 
and  judged  we  were  then  about  an  hundred 
and  fifty  leagues  from  the  Land's-End  of 
England.  Next  day,  being  the  30th  of  the 
loth  month,  Thomas  Gawthrop  having  had 
a  very  reillefs  painful  night,  by  troublefome 
dreams,  &c.  had  ibme  expedation  of  our 
being  taken  (as  he  afterwards  intimated)  he 
fhepped  upon  deck  about  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  immediately  efpied  a  fail  upon 
our  windward  quarter,  giving  us  chace. 
He  quickly  raifed  the  carelefs  captain, 
who  ought  to  have  been  looking  out  before 

tliat 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         75 

that  time,  and  to  have  Vv^atched  more  nar- 
rowly than  he  did,  confidering  the  truft  re- 
pofed  in  him.  The  captain,  when  he  per- 
ceived we  were  chafed,  appeared  much  con- 
cerned, giving  the  ihip  up  for  taken  in  his 
mind  already.  We  urged  him  to  put  out 
all  the  fail  he  could  croud,  and  to  exert 
his  utmoft  endeavour  to  efcape,  offering  to 
affifl  all  in  our  power,  as  we  often  had 
done  before,  being  very  poorly  manned; 
in  part  owing  to  the  failors  unwillingnefs 
to  go  into  fliips  bound  to  London,  left  they 
fliould  be  preffed  on  board  men  of  war, 
It  happened  to  be  a  moderate  wind,  fo  that 
we  could  have  borue  all  the  fail  belonging 
to  the  ihip ;  but  through  negledl  before, 
neither  topgallant-fails  nor  fteering-fails 
were  in  a  condition  to  be  fet;  neither 
would  the  captain  be  prevailed  upon  to 
have  a  reef  taken  out  of  the  mainfail.  The 
veffel  was  very  badly  fleered,  as  the  French 
remarked  when  they  had  taken  us.  The 
captain  ordered  lier  to  be  clofe  hauled  to 
the  wind,  vainly  hoping,  as  he  intimated, 
we  fliould  get  to  the  windvvrard  of  them, 
being  deeply  laden.  But  this  was  very  ill 
judged,  if  really  the  elTeil  of  judgment,  as 
the  way  of  the  ihip  was  thereby  much 
hindered  to  v/hat  it  would  have  been  if 
flie  had  gone  large,  taking  the  ftrength  of 
the  wind.  Notwithftanding  this,  we  held 
the  privateer  in  chafe  about  nine  hours. 
She  came  up  v/ith  us  about  five  o'clock  in 

L  the 


76         The    JOURNAL    of 

the  evening,  and  fired  a  gun  under  French 
colours;  upon  which  our  people  lowered 
their  colours  and  topfail,  by  way  of  fub- 
mitting  to  them.  They  hoifled  out  a  fmall 
boat  to  fea,  the  fea  running  high,  in  which 
came  the  fecond  captain  and  a  lieutenant 
with  feven  or  eight  failors,  to  take  poffelhon 
of  a  very  valuable  prize.  She  was  a  fnow 
privateefr  belonging  to  Bayonne,  carrying 
ten  carriage  guns,  and  about  one  hundred 
men,  commanded  by  one  Peter  Garalon. 
As  the  boat  was  rowing  towards  us,  the 
people  therein  made  fuch  a  dark,  mean, 
and  contemptible  appearance,  that  our  poor 
failors  cried  out  in  a  very  mournful  affeci:- 
ing  manner.  We  fhall  all  be  ufed  very  bad 
and  cruelly,  like  dogs,  for  they  are  a  piti- 
ful crew,  and  no  ofScer  amongfl  them:  but 
in  this  they  were  miftaken.  For  my  part, 
the  Lord  being  exceeding  gracious  to  my 
foul,  by  the  bleffed  fupport  and  folacing 
comfort  of  his  holy  fpirit,  all  that  day  I 
was  quite  calm  and  eafy :  all  fear  of  the 
enemy  or  whatever  I  might  have  to  pafs 
through  in  fuch  a  time  of  trial,  was  wholly 
taken  away  for  the  prefent ;  my  mind  being 
filled  with  humble  refignation  to  the  divine 
will;  yet  was  willing,  as  I  thought  it  a. 
point  of  prudence,  to  ufe  endeavours  for 
efcaping  out  of  their  hand  if  it  were  prac- 
ticable. ■  ' 
If 

The  before-mentioned  .fecond  captain  of 
the  privateer,  whofe  name  was  Andrew  De 

St. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  77 

St.  Andrew,  boarded  us  with  a  naked  cutlafs 
in  his  hand,  eight  or  nine  men  following 
him.  He  fpoke  to  us  in  good  Englifli 
very  chearfuUy,  faying  to  this  efFect,  '  Your 
fervant  gentlemen ;  it  is  the  fortune  of  the 
war,  although  it  is  ours  to  day,  it  may  be 
yours  to-morrow;'  and  promifed  good  ufage. 
He  then  ordered  the  captain,  mate,  and 
failors,  except  two,  and  we  who  'were  cabiia 
paflengers,  being  ten  in  number,  to  go  on 
board  the  privateer ;  upon  which  the.  boat 
was  loaded  and  went  off.  He  took  notice 
that  we  w^re  of  the  people  called  Quakers; 
by  which  he  gave  us  to  underftand  that  he 
was  not  altogether  a  ftranger  to  us  as  a  peo- 
ple. The  chief  reafbn  of  fending  away 
thofe  on  board  a  prize  being  for  their  own 
fecurity,  left  there  might  be  danger  of 
their  rifing  and  recovering  the  fhip  again, 
we  conceived  fome  hopes,  from  the  known 
peaceable  principles  we  profefs,  to  be  fo 
far  indulged  as  to  have  remained  on  board 
the  prize ;  and  therefore  did  not  incline 
to  go  with  the  firft  boat- full;  making 
ufe  of  that  fpace  of  time  in  an  earneft 
folicitation  to  remain  there,  having  much 
better  accommodation  than  we  could  reafon- 
ably  expedl  on  board  the  privateer;  but 
all  the  arguments  we  could  advance  feemed 
ineffeclual.  When  the  boat  returned,  he 
ftill  urged  the  orders  he  had  from  the  head 
captain  to  fend  us  all  on  board:  upon 
which  I  ftepped  over  the  fide  of  the  veiGTel, 

taking 


78         The    JOURNAL    of 

taking  hold  of  the  hand-rope,  with  a  defign 
to  go  into  the  boat :  when  there,  it  ap- 
peared to  me  exceedingly  hazardous,  the 
lea  running  very  high.  1  turned  about  and 
looked  this  French  captain  full  in  the  face, 
?tnd  exprefled  myfclf  in  as  moving  terms  as 
I  was  capable  of,  concerning  the  danger  he 
was  about  expofing  us  to  unneccflkrily ; 
which,  through  divine  favrour,  took  fiich 
impreffion  upon  him,  that  he  took  me  by 
the  hand  and  drew  me  into  the  fhip  again, 
faying.  You  fhall  flay  here  to  night  how- 
ever. He  had  before  demanded  the  keys  of 
our  chefts,  under  pretence  it  was  to  prevent 
their  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  common 
men,  whereby  they  might  plunder  our 
chefts ;  but  the  true  realon  was,  that  he 
and  the  other  officers  might  do  it  themfelves 
firfl;  which  they  did  after  we  were  gone 
to-bed  that  night,  returning  our  keys  next 
morning,  with  large  promifes  of  protedlion 
and  good  ufage ;  which,  every  thing  con-? 
fidered,  they  in  a  good  degree  fulfilled. 
We  could  not  help  looking  upon  it  as  a 
kind  providence,  which  made  way  for  our 
remaining  on  board  the  prize ;  having  there 
the  free  ufe  of  our  private  ftores,  and  being 
better  waited  upon  than  before  we  were 
^aken,  having  two  cabin  boys  tor  that  pur- 
pofe.  Captain  Andrew,  to  give  him  his 
due,  carried  himfelf  refpedfully  to  us;,*  fre- 
quently filling  our  plates  plentifully,  though 
l^e  might,  at  times,  have  lefs  left  for  him- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         79 

felf;    and    when    he    wanted    any   Uquors 
or  other  provifions  out  of  onr  chefts,    he 
would  afk  us  for  them  in  a  fubmiflive  man- 
ner, as  if  he  had  no  authority  to  demand. 
This   kind    carriage   of    his    gained    mvich 
upon  US,  to  place  fome  confidence  in  him, 
which  in  the  end  he  made  ufe  of    to  his 
own  advantage,    by  craftily   getting   from 
ITS  to  the  amount  of  about  ;/^2oo  fterling, 
the    particulars    of    which    would    be    too 
tedious   to  relate.      After  the    French    had 
got  poffeffion  of  our  fliip,  they  put  her  in 
a  fine  trim  for  failing,  fo  that  it  was  plain 
flie    could   outfail    the    privateer   that  took 
her  by  much.      Captain  Andrew  informed 
us,    we  were,    when  they  took  us,    about 
eighty  leagues  from  Cape-Clear  in  Ireland, 
and    about    one    hundred   and  twenty-five 
leagues  from  the  Land's-End  of  England. 

The  next  day  came  on  board  the  chief 
captain,  to  examine  the  cargo,  &c.  He  made 
this  Andrew  captain  of  the  prize,  of  which 
we  were  glad,  as  he  could  fpeak  Englifh 
tvell,  and  from  what  we  could  conceive«of 
him,  there  was  reafon  to  expeft  favourable 
ufage  under  his  care ;  which  w*as  alfo  pro- 
mifed  us  by  the  head  captain.  They  found 
the  cargo  fb  valuable  that  it  was  concluded 
the  privateer  fliould  keep  us  company,  in. 
order  to  convoy  us  fafe  to  fome  port  of 
France  or  Spain.  Now  having  new  mafters, 
we  had  a  new  courfe  to  fteer;  but  the 
win4  fet  againft  us,  blowing  very  hard  and 

ftormy,, 


8o         The    JOURNAL    of 

ftormy.  We  lay  to  often,  and  were  ex- 
ceedingly tofled  for  the  moft  part,  for  about 
two  weeks,  and  did  not  in  that  time  think 
ourfelves  any  nearer  Bayonne  than  when  we 
were  taken.  They  wanted  more  prey, 
therefore  efpied  and  chafed  feverai  veffels, 
who  had  the  good  fuccefs  to  get  away  frorti 
them.  We  were  once  chafed  ourfelves,  by 
a  fine  large  ftiip;  they  took  her  to  be  an 
Englifh  man  of  war,  and  appea;red  to  be 
greatly  alarmed ;  but  wdien  flie  came  up, 
they  found  her  to  be  a  privateer  belonging 
to  the  town  called  St.  Maloes,  cari^  ing 
twenty  carriage  guns  and  about  three  hun- 
dred men.  We  left  the  privateer  that  took 
us,  a  great  way  during  this  chace,  our  fliip 
being  fixed  upon  at  a  great  diftance,  for  the 
befl  booty. 

It  was  the  2 2d  of  the  i  ith  month  before 
we  faw  any  land,  and  when  we  did,  they 
proved  much  miftaken,  thinking  themfelves 
fixty  or  feventy  leagues  nearer  Bayonne  than 
they,  upon  better  information,  found.  We 
had  pleafant  failing  near  the  land  on  the 
Spanifh  Coafl  which  borders  on  the  Bay  of 
Bifcay ;  it  being  high  land,  afforded  con- 
fiderable  delight  to  us,  as  we  had  been  long 
confined  to  the  fight  of  water  only.  The 
24th  in  the  dufl^  of  the  evening,  we  had 
near  entered  the  port  called  St.  Sebaflian, 
when  the  wind  chopped  in  right  a-head 
and  drove  us  out  to  fea  again.  The  pri- 
vateer got  into  a  place  called  Port-PafTage, 

about 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         Si 

about  a  league  from  thence,  next  morning 
early.  But  we,  being  forced  farther  off  by- 
contrary  winds,  had  great  difficulty  to  get 
in  that  day,  being  for  many  hours  towed 
by  fifteen  boats,  in  which  were  one  hundred 
and  fifty  men  labouring  at  their  oars.  They 
appeared  very  anxious  to  get  our  veffel  into 
fome  port,  as  they  feared  fome  Englifh  fhip 
cruizing  in  the  Bay^  might  call  them  to  an 
account.  We  poor  captives  went  on  fhore 
the  26th  in  the  morning,  being  glad  and 
thankful  to  have  the  opportunity  of  fetting 
our  feet  again  on  firm  land,  although  in  an 
enemy's  country ;  for,  fetting  afide  the 
great  affliction  of  being  taken  by  an  enemy, 
it  had  been  an  exceeding  rough  boifterous 
trying  paffage,  of  about  eight  weeks.  It 
was  very  mild  fpring-like  weather  there, 
though  about  the  middle  of  winter.  We 
diverted  ourfelves  with  walking  about  in 
the  day,  and  lodged  aboard  at  night, 
whilfh  we  ftaid  in  that  fmall  place,  which 
was  till  the  29th,  when  horfes  were  pro- 
vided for  us  to  travel  by  land,  about  thirty 
miles,  to  Bayonne;  the  dod:or  of  the  pri- 
vateer being  ail  the  guard  and  guide  we 
had.  There  was  a  very  plentiful  dinner 
provided  for  us  at  a  fea-port  town  in 
France  called  St.  Jean-de-Luz.  I  was  not 
at  all  pleafed  with  the  forward  w^anton  car- 
riage of  the  women  ;  fuch  as  I  had  never 
feen  before:  I  reproved  them,  but  feme, 
by    way    of    excufe,     faid,     the   principal 

thing 


82  The    JOURNAL    OF 

thing  they  intended  thereby,  was  to  chee^ 
up  our  fpirirs  in  our  captivated  ftate;  yet 
I  could  hardly  believe  their  defign  was  fo 
innocent. 

We  had  been  told  by  Captain  Andrew, 
that  on  our  arrival  at  Bayonne,  we  that 
were  cabin-paflengers  fliould  immediately 
have  a  parole  of  honour  granted  us ;  but 
we  did  not  find  it  fo.  Being  brought  be- 
fore the  commilfary,  he  ordered  us  to  be 
taken  into  the  caftle ;  yet  we  had  the  liber- 
ty there  to  hire  rooms,  with  beds  in  them 
(fuch  as  they  were,)  and  to  have  provifions 
for  our  money ;  of  which  we  foon  found 
we  had  need  to  be  well'  ftored,  as  they 
had  a  notable  knack  of  getting  it  from  us ; 
for  we  could  not  buy  any  thing  ourfelves, 
but  all  muft  come  through  the  hands  of 
fuch  as  knew  how  to  make -a  property  of 
us.  I  never  knew  any  people  fo  thorough- 
ly furnilhed  with  artful  ways 'to  get  money, 
as  the  French.  Their  tongues  were  very 
,much  at  command,  and  they  could  ufe 
them  with  great  wit  and  addrefs  in  order 
to  gain  our  good  opinion  of  th^m,  but 
I  never  perceived  they  meant  any  thing 
elfe  in  the  main  thereby,  but  advantage  to 
themfelves;  and  therefore,  faw  it  necelfary 
to  be  as  much  as  I  could  on  my  guard.  We 
were  very  much  impofed  upon  on  account 
of  provifions^  and  our  money  went  very  fafl. 
Not  being  quite  without  fear,  if  they 
fhould  difcover  we  had  fuflScient,  fome  other 

way 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         % 

way  might  be  foXmcl  out  to  get  it 
from  us,  we  made  inquiry  whether  any 
could  be  found  willing  to  fupply  us  with 
money,  and  take  our  draught  upon  Lon- 
don, allowing  them  a  premium.  We  foon 
found  they  were  very  willing  to  do  it, 
merely  upon  the  credit  of  our  fociety; 
fuch  reputation  hath  the  real  poifelfion  of 
truth  gained  our  friends,  far  and  wide ; 
but,  to  our  forrow,  the  bare  profeffion  of 
it,  in  divers  mournful  inflances  of  late, 
hath  produced  quite  the  contrary  eiTeS:  ; 
fo  that  there  hath  been  reafon  to  fear, 
the  great  credit  gained  by  our  worthy  pre- 
decelfors  for  juftice  and  pundluality,  is  ia 
danger  of  being,  in  fome  meafure,  loft  to 
the  fociety,  by  the  mifconduct  of  fome  of 
their  defcendants.  They  told  us,  that  di- 
vers of  the  people  called  Quakers  had  been 
amongfh  them,  but  they  were  not  like  us ; 
that  they  looked  upon  us  to  be  precift 
ftifF  Quakers ;  but  thofe  who  had  been 
there  before,  behaved  in  a  complaifant  man- 
ner, not  flicking  at  the  punctilio  of  tjie 
hat.  Sec.  We  let  them  know,  that  our  be- 
haviour in  thofe  refpe6ls,  was  no  other  than 
what  is  confiiient  with  our  principles;  that 
we  could  not  anfwer  for  thofe  who  were 
hypocrites,  profeifrng  one  thing  and  prac-' 
tifing  another.  We  could  difcover,  that 
upon  all  occahons,  they  feemed  to  have  a 
greater  dependance  on  our  veracity,  than 
that  of  the  reft  of  our  company ;  and  upon 

M  tlie 


S4         The    JOURNAL    of 

the  whole,  fliewed  us  full  as  much,  if  not 
more  kindnefs.  Our  confinement  and  ufage 
in  thi2  caftle  grew  very  difagreeable  to  us ; 
Vv^e  therefore  took  the  opportunity,  when 
the  commiffary  came  (which  we  underftood 
was  ufually  once  a  week)  to  lay  before  him 
the.  treatment  we  met  with,  and  to  requefh 
our  liberty  upon  parole.  He  pretended  to 
make  ibme  difficulty  of  it,  and  we  found 
many  then  in  the  caftle  had  been  endeavour- 
ing fome  time  to  procure  that  liberty  and 
could  not.  But  when  we  difcovered  danger 
of  being  put  off,  as  they  had  been,  ^ve  prefT- 
ed  it  upon  him  with  more  earneftnefs. 
Hereupon  we  had  a  parole  of  honour 
granted  for  upwards  of  twenty.  The 
place  fixed  upon  for  our  refidence  was 
Dax,  an  ancient  town  about  forty  miles 
up  Bayonne  River.  We  were  fent  thi- 
ther by  water,  and  were  in  the  boat  all 
night,  having  very  difagreeable  company, 
the  worft  of  whom  were  Englifli  and 
Scotch.  Thefe  had  laid  a  fcheme  to  pre- 
ifent  our  being  admitted  into  the  fiune  boat, 
which  was  very  ungrateful  in  them,  as  they 
knew  we  had  been  the  principal  inftru- 
ments  of  procuring  that  liberty,  ef|.:>eclally 
for  fome  of  them.  Without  doubt,  their 
reafon  for  that  attempt  was,  that  th-ey  might 
enjoy  the  intended  frolick,  without  any 
rebuke  or  interruption  from  us.  We  bore 
their  filthy  obfcene  difcourfe  and  behaviour 

for 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  85- 

for  fome  time ;  but,  at  kngth,  being  eiiceed- 
iugly  burdened,  Thomas  Gawthrop  and 
I  were  concerned  to  reprove  them  very 
feverely,  deiiring  them  to  coniider,  what 
the  French  people  in  the  boat  could 
think  of  thofe  who  called  themfelves 
Proteftants.  Some  of  them  feemed  at  fir  ft 
to  retort,  but  the  weight  of  our  fpirit^ 
came  over  them ;  we .  being  on  truth's 
fide,  vs^hich  is  ftrongeft  of  all,  they  were 
foon  overcome  and  filenced.  From  that 
time  we  kept  them  at  a  didance,  not  look- . 
ing  upon  them  worthy  of  our  notice  in  a 
way  of  intimacy,  fo  that  when  we  came 
to  Dax,  we  ieparated  from  them,  boarding 
by  ourfelves.  On  our  arrival  there,  we 
were  brought  before  the  governor  of  die 
caflle;  and  our  manner  of  appearing  before 
our  fuperiors  being  different  from  that  of 
others,  vi'ith  which  we  did  not  expect  he 
was  acquainted,  and  might  probably  put  an 
unfavourable  conftruiftion  upon ;  we  there- 
fore defired  our  interpreter  to  inform  him, 
that  we  did  not  ftand  before  him  covered  in 
contempt,  or  any  ways  in  difrefpecft,  it 
being  our  principle  and  practice  fo  to  ap- 
pear before  our  fuperiors  in  our  own  nation. 
His  anfwer  v/as  to  this  effedl,  viz»  '  I  airi 
not  at  all  offended  with  their  appearance  |. 
I  know  fomething  of  thofe  people.'  He 
gave  us  the  liberty  of  the  town  and  country 
around;  and  we  got  pretty  good  quarters,^ 

au4 


86  The    JOURNAL    OF 

and  lived  much-  more  to  our  minds  than  in 
Bawnne   Cattle . 

This  town  is  now  a  mean  place,  but 
there  are  ftill  remauis  of  its  ancient  great- 
neft.  I  find  by  hiftory,  it  was  once  the 
capital  of  Aquitalne,  and  was  then  called 
Aqua  SoUs,  from  its  hot  waters.  At  one 
place  I  found  the  heat  fo  furprizingly  great, 
that  I  could  not  bear  my  fingers  in  the 
water  a  quarter  of  a  minute.  This  water  was 
inclofed  with  ftone  walls  of  about  twenty 
yards  fquare,  having  brafs  or  iron  cocks  or 
ijpouts,  to  convey  water  for  the  ufe  of  the 
inhabitants  ;  it  anfwering  the  purpofe  of 
boiling  water  for  wa filing  linen,  &c.  There 
arifes  a  ileam  or  fmoke  therefrom,  like  unto 
a  vaft  furnace  or  lime-kiln.  We  being 
there  in  Lent- time  (as  they  call  it)  were 
told  the  priefts  were  uneafy  at  our  being 
indulged  with  flefh,  and  that  they  i-^quefled 
the  governor  to  give  orders  for  preventing 
it.  We  were  informed  that  he  turned  very 
ihort  upon  them,  and  laid,  ^  I  will  give  no 
fuch  orders.  What  have  they  to  do  with 
your  Lent  ?  Cannot  you  be  contented  to 
keep  it  yourfelves?'  He  carried  himfelfvery 
civilly  to  us,  and  came  once  in  perfon  to 
invite  us  to  a  bull-bating,  offering,  as  we 
•were  ftrangers,  to  prefer  us  to  the  beft 
place  for  the  purpofe  of  feeing,  which  was 
the  balcony  in  the  front  of  his  houfe.  We 
acknowledged  his  civility,  but  at  the  fame 

time 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         S7 

time  gave  him  to  underftand,  we  did  not 
allow  ourfelves  to  attend  fuch  kind  of 
diverfions.  I  underftood.  they  bait  bulls 
there  with  men  inftead  of  dogs ;  but  I  did 
not  fee  it. 

There  are  many  worfhip-houfes,  and  two 
nunneries  in  Dax.  Their  clergy,  of  vari- 
ous orders,  fwarm  like  locufts,  who  fleece 
the  people  to  that  degree,  that  it  may  be 
truly  faid,  of  much  the  greater  part,  they 
are  in  a  ftace  of  abje6l  poverty  and  vaflal- 
age ;  ftupidly  devoted  to  follow  thefe  blind 
guides  witherfoever  they  think  proper 
to  lead  them,  not  daring  to  judge  at  all 
for  themfelves  in  matters  of  religion.  Oh, 
happy  England !  Oh,  land  blelTed  "with 
liberty !  What  haft  thou  not  to  anfwer  for, 
if  right  ufe  be  not  made  of  fo  great  a 
privilege  ? 

We  went  one  day  to  vifit  and  converfe 
with  the  nuns,  which  we  did  through  large 
iron  grates,  by  an  interpreter.  They  beha- 
ved themfelves  very  civil,  courteous,  and 
free  in  difcourfe.  One  of  the  iifters  lay 
dead  in  an  apartment.  The  corpfe  was  laid 
in  a  coffin  drefled  in  black,  having  twelve 
wax  candles  Rghted  and  fet  in  filver  can- 
dlefticks,  fix  on  each  fide,  and  fome  at 
her  feet,  and  a  black  crofs  fixed  between 
her  fingers  on  her  breaft,  as  if  fhe  was  look- 
ing at  it.  Several  of  the  nuns  were  about 
her,   fome  kneeling,    and  others  fitting  on 

the 


88         The    JOURNAL    of 

the  floor,  with  books  in  their  hands,  pray- 
ing for  the  foul  departed,  as  we  conjectured. 
One  was  ringing  a  bell,  perhaps  it  Avas  what 
they  call  a  holy  bell,  that  at  the  found 
thereof  all  the  evil  fpirits  might  be  chafed 
out  of  the  foul's  way  in  its  flight  towards 
the  other  world.  We  went  from  this  to 
the  other  nunnery,  but  could  not  be  imme- 
diately admitted  to  fee  the  nuns,  as  they 
were  employed  in  finging  pfalms  or  fome 
kind  of  religious  fongs,  which  we  could 
hear  at  a  confiderable  diftance:  it  was 
thought  by  fome  of  the  company,  the 
fined  mufick  they  ever  heard ;  but  I  neither 
am,  nor  deiire  to  be,  a  judge  thereof.  We 
flood  in  an  open  entry  before  a  fine  chapel, 
but  did  not  go  into  it,  though  the  door 
"was  open ;  for  indeed  I  had  no  freedom  to 
go  into  any  of  their  idols  temples,  yet  we 
could  fee  many  upon  their  knees  praying, 
fome  before  one  image,  and  fome  before  ano- 
ther. As  we  waited  here,  not  intending 
nor  expelling  to  give  any  offence,  it  being 
an  open  entry  (but  I  fuppofe  it  was  hal- 
lowed, or  confecrated,  as  they  call  it, 
though  not  difcovered  to  be  fo  by  us,)  there 
came  a  monk  to  us  in  a  great  pafTion,  and 
talked  very  faft  in  French.  We  faw  he  was 
angry,  but  did  not  underftand  what  he  faid, 
and  therefore  afked  the  interpreters,  hav- 
ing, I  think,  two  with  us  then.  They  told 
us,  he  faid  we  had  polluted  that  holy  place, 

viz, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.  89 

viz.  in  keeping  our  hats  on,  inafmuch  as 
their  Lord  God  was  there ;  that  if  we  had 
no  more  manners,  they  had  a  way  to  teach 
us  better.  We  then  departed,  being  depri- 
ved of  the  intended  vlfit  to  the  nuns,  but 
that  was  no  great  difappointment.  Their 
crofles,  either  of  wood  or  ft  one,  are  very- 
numerous,  being  ere(5led  in  all  the  crofs 
roads,  and  alfo  at  inany  places  in  and 
about  their  towns  and  villages ;  on  fome 
of  which  images  are  faftened,  with  an 
imitation  of  the  crown  of  thorns,  the  reed, 
fpear,  and  fpunge.  That  the  people's  great 
poverty  may  more  fully  appear,  I  ihall 
give  a  ftiort  defcription  of  the  llioes  moft 
of  them  wear,  who  w^ear  any  fort:  they 
are  wholly  made  of  wood,  being  hollowed 
out  for  the  feet,  except  a  piece  of  leather 
about  three  inches  broad,  acrofs  the  inftep„ 
They  appear  very  inconvenient  to  walk  in,  as 
they  do  not  yield  at  all  to  the  feet,  I  am 
perfuaded  there  is  not  one  in  iixty,  in  that 
part  of  France,  who  wear  any  other  fort  of 
flioes.  Many  waggon  loads  of  thefe  fhoes 
are  brought  to  Dax  market  every  week. 

The  2 1  ft  of  the  1 2th  month,  a  melTen- 
ger  from  Bayonne  brought  us  the  agreeable 
news  of  a  cartel-fhip  from  England  being 
arrived  at  Port-Paffage.  An  order  came 
foon  after  -  for  our  return,  and  that  we 
might  be  ready  to  embark  therein  the  24th. 
AVe  hired  a  boat  for  that  purpofe,  and  went 

in 


go         The    JOURNAL    of 

in  her  to  Bayonne,  being  on  the  water  all 
night.  It  was  very  cold  fnowy  weather,  and 
I  fiiftered  much  thereby,  taking  a  great  cold, 
which  I  did  not  get  over  for  many  days. 
What  flill  added  to  our  diftrefs,  was  the 
commiflary's  receiving  us  very  roughly,- 
and  ordering  us  into  the  caftle  again.  I 
know  of  no  reafon  he  had  for  being  in  that 
ill-natured  difpofition ;  neither  do  I  re- 
member he  gave  us  any.  I  was  ready  to 
imagine  it  was  only  to  furnifh  a  pretence 
to  get  fomething  into  his  own  pocket  by 
our  confinemenf.  One  thing  made  me 
think  he  had  a  feeling  in  the  profits 
there,  was  his  unwillingnefs  to  give  us 
and  others,  a  parole.  However,  when  it 
appeared  that  we  mufh  go  to  prifon  again, 
the  captain  of  the  before-mentioned  cartel 
{hip  being  prefent,  demanded  our  liberty ; 
which  I  iuppofe  the  commiffary  durfl  not 
deny  him ;  by  which  means  we  had  the 
liberty  of  the  town  a  few  days,  until 
matters  were  fettled  for  our  travelling  to- 
wards the  fliip. 

One  thing  I  am  not  willing  to  omit, 
as  it  will  be  a  fpecimen  of  the  unaccount- 
able fu perftition  and  idolatry  of  thofe  peo- 
ple amongft  whom  our  lot  was  caft.  Tho- 
mas Gawthrop  and  1  taking  a  walk,  as  we 
often  did,  into  the  fields,  came  to  a  fmall 
building,  which  was  fomewhat  in  the  na- 
ture gf  a  conduit,  as  there  ifl'ued  out  at  one 

end 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,  91 

end,  fpouts  of  water,  over  which  \Vas  enclo- 
ftd,    in    net- work,    an   image   whofe  head 
feemed  as  if  cut  off  or  fevered  from  his  body.^ 
It  appeared   to   be   a  fine  fpring  of  water; 
but  that  which  came  mod  under  our  no- 
tice was,    to  obferve  fo  many  worfhipping 
this  v/ater  and  beheaded  image:   I  fuppofe 
not  lefs  than  fifteen  on  their  knees,    fome 
much  nearer  thereunto   than  others.      We 
inquired   the   meaning   thereof 5    but   none 
underflood  Engiifh,  nor  we  French  enough 
to  converfe  one  with  another;    fo  that  we 
ftill   remained  in   the   dark,    until  by  mak-- 
ing  inquiry  in  the   town,    we  received  the 
following  account,  viz.  that  it  i^  St.  Leon's 
well,    who  is  the  titular  faint  of  Bayonne. 
That  this  Leon  was  the  lirft  gofpel  miillo- 
nary  fent  thither  in  the  pagan  times^  and 
that    he    Vvas   greatly   perfecuted  by   them, 
and  laft  of  all   beheaded   on   a  hill  above 
that  place  where  the  Well  uow  is.      That 
when  his   Iicad  was  fevered  from  his  bady 
it  rolled  down  the  hill   and  fell  upon  this 
place,  upon  which  there  immediately  iiTued 
out  a  fpring  or  fountain  of  water.     That 
it  is  nov/ .  the  conflant  pracftice  of  ccnfef- 
fors    to   fend   people  to  do  penance  at  St. 
Leon's  well;    vv^ho   muft  fix  themfelves  on 
their  knees  nearer  or  farther  off  according 
to  the  nature  of  their  crimes. 

When  our  captain  had  fully  fettled  things 

with   the   commillary    relative    to    us,    we 

'     N  proceeded 


t 


qi         The    journal    oi^ 

proceeded  on  our  way  towards  the  fliip.  as 
far  as  the  town  called  St.  Jean-de-Luz, 
where  w^e  abode  fome  time,  taking  up  our 
quarters  at  a  large  inn.  One  day  when  at 
dinner  we  received  a  vifit  from  two  friars, 
one  of  whom  being  an  Irifliman  could  fpeak 
Engliih  well;  the  other  had  very  little 
Engliih.  We  underftood  the  defign  of 
their  coming  was  to  ufe  endeavours  in 
their  pretended  catholick  fpirit,  for  our 
converlion,  by  bringing  us  into  the  bofom 
of  their  church,  ovit  of  which,  they  fay, 
there  is  no  falvation.  This  Irifli  friar  foon 
began  to  afk  queftions,  which,  for  a  little 
while,  feveral  of  us  anfwered ;  but  the  dif- 
pute  feemed  too  much  in  a  promifcuous 
and  fcattered  way,  which  was  not  quite  fa tif- 
fadlory ;  neither  did  it  appear  altogether 
fair  for  fo  many  to  engage  with  one  ;^  for 
the  other  friar  could  be  of  little  ufe  in 
argument,  as  he  had  not  the  language.  I 
therefore  finding  my  mind  pretty  much 
opened  and  warmly  engaged,  entered  into 
a  clofe  difpute  with  him,  which  my  com- 
panions obferving,  left  it  to  us.  I  foon 
found  that  his  main  fupport  in  argument 
was  the  authority  and  infallibility  of  their 
church,  but  more  efpecially  of  the  Pope; 
I  therefore  told  him  it  was  altogether  fruit- 
lefs  to  fupport  arguments  againll  me,  by  an 
authority  I  had  no  faith  in ;  but  feeing  he 
and  I  both  allowed  the  holy  fcriptures  to 
be  of  divine  authority,  it  would  be  much 

better 


JOHN     GRIFFITH  93 

better  for  us  to  back  our  arguments  by 
that  authority  only.  It  was  exceeding  diffi- 
cult to  bring  him  to  this,  as  I  beheVe  he 
clearly  forefaw  I  fhould  there  be  too  many 
for  'him:  which  fell  out  accordingly,  to 
that  degree  (the  Lord  being  near,  opening- 
my  underflanding)  that  the  poor  man  was 
fo  confounded  he  knew  not  what  to  anfwer, 
nor  how  to  fapport  an  argument  thereby ; 
his  memory  fcarce  ferving  him  to  quote 
one  fcripture  pafTage  truly.  This  I  fome- 
times  helped  him  in,  repeating  the  paf- 
fages  he  aimed  at,  to  fee  what  ufe  he 
could  make  of  them;  but  I  found  him  as 
deficient  in  applying,  as  he  was  in  remem- 
bering the  holy  fcriptures ;  which  induced 
me  to  think  that  even  their  clergy,  fo  cal- 
led, find  thofe  facred  writings  make  fo 
little  for  the  fupport  of  their  religion,  that 
they  do  not  much  regard  them.  The  dif- 
pute  continued  moil  of  the  afternoon ;  in 
which  I  muft  fay  he  carried  himfelf  with 
good  nature  and  civility,  at  lead  in  ap- 
pearance. He  would  fometimes  expreis 
his  wonder  at  my  memory ;  faying,  he 
thought  I  could  repeat  all  the  fcriptures 
by  heart  from  the  beginning  of  Genefis 
to  the  end  of  the  Revelations.  But  I  knew 
who  gracioufly  helped  me ;  for  I  did  not 
go  againft  him  in  my  own  ftrength,  the 
Lord  being  with  me  in  fuch  a  manner 
that  r  thought  I  fhould  not  have  been  afraid 
to  have  engaged  with  an  hundred  of  their 

ixjoft 


94         The    JOURNAL    oi' 

moil  crafty  priefts;  and  therefore  I  did, 
and  do  offer  the  thankfglving  and  praife 
to  him  alone  who  is  eternally  worthy ! 
Towards  the  conckulon  he  ailved  me  what 
I  thought  of  their  eucharift,  I  felt  (as  I 
thought)  a  fnare  in  his  queftion,  where- 
upon "  1  afked  him  v/hether  he  intended 
to  enfnare  me  by  that  queftion ;  which  he 
did  not  offer  to  deny.  I  was,  however,  en- 
abled to  anfwer  him  in  fuch  a  manner  as 
that  he  could  take  no  advantage  thereof,  to 
bring  m.e  into  trouble.  I  often  cried  unto 
the  Lord  to  preferve  us  in  maintaining  our 
tcftimony,  agreeably  to  what  he  knev/  v/as 
right  in  his  fight;  and  at  the  fame  time  to 
be  exceeding  watchful  over  our  own  fpirits, 
left  they  fliould  be  too  much  heated  and 
raifed  in  a  falfe  zeal,  with  indignation  again  ft 
the  deteftable  idolatry  and  abominations  of 
thofe  dark  countries,  that  we  might  not 
thereby  imprudently  put  ourfelves  into  their 
power;  not  doubting  if  the  Lord  required 
any  fervice  of  us  amongft  them,  he  would 
fupport  us  therein,  for  he  hath  all  power 
in  heaven  and  earth.  The  friars  took  their 
leave  of  us  in  the  evening,  lignifying  they 
would  vifit  us  again;  but  they  never  did, 
nor  I  hardly  believe  they  intended  it. 

From  this  place  we  went  iato  that  part' of 
Spain  where  we  firft  landed,  and  ftaid  there 
and  at  Scbaftian  feveral  weeks  for  the  cartel 
fhip's  failing.  The  Spaniards  are  much 
jnore  dilagreeable  to  livp  amongft  than  the 

French. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         95 

French.  The  men  appeared  to  its  in  *^ 
general  way,  poor,  proud,  and  exceecr.nS 
lazy  5  filled  with  high  conceits  of  thern-^ 
felves,  both  in  a  civil  and  religious  fenlc. 
They  fauntered  about,  w^alking  with  their 
cloaks  over  their  fhoulders,  looking  upon  us 
with  contempt,  as  we  neither  could  bow 
to  their  pride  nor  to  their  religion ;  nor 
could  we  look  upon  them  in  a  favourable 
light,  when  we  obferved  wliat  Haves  they 
made  of  their  wives  and  of  the  women  in 
general,  who  are  employed  in  ail  or  moil 
of  the  drudgery,  even  in  rowing  their  boats. 
I  have  fcen  near  the  two  lalt  mentioned 
places  in  their  ferries,  and  other  buhnefs  on 
the  water,  to  fpeak  within  compafs,  more 
than  a  hundred  women  thus  employed;  and -^ 
fcarcely  a  man  is  feen  to  touch  an  car, 
tmlefs  he  goes  a  fifhing;  and  then  Lis 
wife,  or  fome  woman,  muft  bring  his  cloak 
or  fword  to  the  water-fide  g^ainlt  he  comes 
on  ftiore,  and  carry  the  fifh  home  on  her 
head,  while  he  walks  in  ftate  to  the  town. 
This  one  of  the  friends  who  were  with  me 
affured  me  he  faw.  I  am  far  from  envying 
our  .  Englifli  women  their  happineis ;  I 
think  fuch  indulgent  ufage  is  due  to  the 
tendernefs  of  their  fex  every  w^here;  jeJC  I 
think  that  were  they  to  fee  even  what  I  have 
feen,  as  above  hinted,  they  would  be  very 
thankful  to  the  Author  of  their  being  for 
cafting  their  lots  in  England,  or  the  En- 
glifh  dominions.     And  indeed,  confidering 

fome 


96-         The    JOURNAL    of 

fome  diiEculdes  the  fex  labours  tinder, 
which  the  men  are  exempt  from,  fuch  as 
child-bearing,  nurfing,  &c.  which  render 
them  very  unfuitable  for  fuch  laborious  em- 
ployment, it  difcovers  great  cruelty  in  the 
men  to  impofe  it  upon  them. 

The  darknefs  of  popery  feems  greater 
here  than  in  France;  although  it  may  be 
feen  and  felt  there  beyond  all  expre'ffions. 
Oh  the  pain  and  diftrefs  of  foul  I  was  almofl 
continually  under  by  the  muddy  jivers  of 
Babylon  in  thofe  lands  of  darknefs !  the 
harp  being  indeed,  as  it  were,  hung  upon 
tlie  willows.  No  fweet  melody  nor  fbng  of 
Zion  could  be  echoed  forth  (the  Lord  know- 
eth)  under  the  power  of  the  king  of  the 
bottomlefs-pit,  who  rules  in  the  myftery  of 
iniquity.  Yet  fo  it  mufl  remain,  until  that 
Almighty  arm  of  power  that  cut  Rahab 
and  wounded  the  dragon,  is  pleafed  to  arife 
and  put  on  ftrength,  that  he  may  turn  and 
overturn;  pouring  forth  the  phials  of  his 
wrath  upon  the  feat  of  the  beaft  and  falfe 
prophet,  thereby  making  the  fcarlet  whore 
of  Babylon  defolate,  and  burning  her  flefh 
with  fire;  that  the  nations  may  no  more 
be  intoxicated  with  the  abominations  of 
the  wine  of  her  fornications*.  May  the 
Lord,  for  his  oppreffed  feed's  fake,  haftcn 
that  da^,  fo  that  the  people  and  faints  of 
the  Moft  High  ma^^ obtain  the  kingdom, 

^If  anid 

*  See  Pfalm  137.    Ifaiah  51.  and  Revelations. 


J  O  H  N    G  R  I  F  F  I  T  H.         97 

ai\d  the  earth  enjoy  her  fabbath,  when  fweet 
incenfe  in  every  place  on  the  Lord's  foot- 
ftool  may  be  offered  up  to  him  with  gra- 
cious  acceptance*. 

I  took  notice  at  Port-Paflage  that  a  per- 
fon  went  about  the  ftreet  every  evening 
tinkhng  a  ^hand-bel!,  as  if  he  had  fome- 
thing  to  fell,  yet  I  could  not  fee  any  thing 
he  had,  which  made  me  alk  the  reafon  of 
it :  I  was  told,  that  it  was  to  remind  peo- 
ple of  the  fouls  in  purgatory,  that  they 
might  pray  for  them.  The  m.aid  of  the 
houfe  where  we  boarded  brought  a  crucifix, 
defiring  us  to  kifs  it;  which  fome  of  the 
Englifh  then  prefent  did,  to  pleafe  her; 
but  upon  my  refufal,  and  withal  giving  her 
a  gentle  rebuke  for  offering  me  fuch  an 
affront,  fhe  aiarm.ed  the  houfe  with  com- 
plaints what  a  bad  Chriilian  I  w^as  for 
refufing  to  embrace  that  piece  of  brafs^ 
Having  foon  after  to  pafs  through  an  en- 
try, I  found  two  men,  I  fuppofe  lying  in 
wait  for  me.  One  of  them  came  flily  be- 
hind my  back,  laying  fail  hold  of  both 
my  arms,  in  order  to  confine  me,  whilfl 
the  other  brought  the  image  to  my  face; 
intending,  no  doubt,  to  force  me  into  that 
which  they  could  not  bring  me  voliiutarily 
into.  I  foon  perceived  what  they  were 
about,  and  prefently  freed  myfelf  from  their 
(to  me)  very  odious  defign;  fliewing  them, 
by  a  fteni  countenanlJf,  and  feme  Iharp  ex-^ 

preffions, 
*  Dankl   7, 


9S  The    JOURNAL    of 

preffions,    that  I  was  much  difpleafed  v/ith 
their  uncivil  treatment. 

I  cannot  fully  account  for  the  caufe,  but 
vhilft  in  Spain,  I  felt  at  times,  or  at  leaft 
I  thought  fo,  fomething  like  fnares  laid  to 
do  us  mifchief.  However  that  was,  the 
Lord  graciouily  preferved  us,  and  gave  abi- 
lity to  maintain  our  teftimony,  as  far  as  he 
was  pleafed  to  require  of  us  in  thofe  coun- 
tries ;  which  was  chiefly  in  feeling  the  dif- 
treflins:  wei^^ht  of  death  and  darknefs  that 
covers  the  holy  feed  fown  in  the  hearts  of 
mankind,  and  which  is  prefTed  down  by  their 
fuperflition,  idolatry,  and  wickednefs  "  as 
*'  a  cart  is  preiGTed  that  is  full  of  iheaves." 
It  as  furely  groans  for  deliverance  as  Ifrael 
did  under  Egyptian  bondage.  In  fympathy 
therewith  (as  I  take  it)  my  foul  was  moft- 

'ly  in  deep  anxiety;  being,  as  it  were, 
dumb  with  filence,   and  clofed  up  in  pain- 

I  ful  death  and  darknefs ;  ready  at  times  to 
fay.  Surely  I  am  in  the  fame  fpirit  with 
them.  But  the  material  difference  was  this ; 
it  was  their  element,  wherein  they  lived  plea- 
fantly  and  delighted  to  breathe;  whereas 
I  could  neither  live  nor  breathe  therein ;  fo 
far  from  it  that  I  often  looked  upon  my- 
felf  in  a  manner  quite  dead.  But  let  ever- 
lafting  praife  afcend  to  the  God  of  the 
living,  world  without  end !  He  was  plea- 
fed  to  bring  me  through  this  horrible  death 
and  darknefs,  to  enjoy  the  glorious  day  of 
his  ialvation  again,  and  to  be  one  of  thofe, 

'    though 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         99 

though  unworthy,  who  have  "  the  Lamb  flain 
from  the  fomidation  of  the  world"  for  their 
light  and  leader.  Then  I  faw  that  even 
in  that  day  of  uncommon  trials  both  with- 
in and  without,  my  life  was  fure  (though 
not  difcerned  by  me,)  being  hid  with  Chrift 
in  God. 

It  was  fome  time  after  my  arrival  in  Eng- 
land before  the  thick  darknefs  before 
mentioned  quite  wore  off  my  mind ;  yet  I 
was  favoured,  at  times,  with  the  ihining  of 
the  Sun  of  Righteoufnefs,  as  it  were  break- 
ing through  a  thick  cloud,  to  my  unfpeak- 
able  joy  and  comfort,  and  I  believe  in 
the  work  of  the  gofpel,  to  the  great  fatis- 
fa6lion  of  many  others,  to  whom  I  was, 
through  deep  fuffering,  in  fome  degree 
qualified  to  fpeak,  even  as  deep  calleth 
unto  deep. 

We  arrived  in  England,  and  came  to  an 
anchor  in  Torbay,  the  26th  of  the  ifl 
month,  1748,  after  a  paffage  of  five  days. 
The  Ihip  was  bound  for  Plymouth,  but  the 
failors  who  had  been  prifoners  in  France, 
being  in  fear  of  another  confinement  by 
being  prefled  on  board  of  the  men  of  war, 
took  the  command  of  her  from  the  captain, 
by  fomething,  in  appearance  at  leaft,  like 
force.  He  told  them  he  had  a  fafe  pro- 
te6lion  from  the  government,  whereby  they 
would  be  fecured  from  what  they  feared 
by  going  to  Plymouth.  But  they  did  not 
regard  that,  neither  was  he,  as  we  thought, 

O  averfe 


lOo        The    JOURNAL    of 

averfe  to  going  into  Torbay,,  as  he  had  the 
failors  to  lay  it  on;  for  we  had  reafon  to 
apprehend  he  did  not  keep  us  waiting  in 
Spain  fo  long  for  nothing;  fo  that  the  Bay 
might  fuit  his  purpofe  better  alfo.  It  being 
the  I  ft  day  of  the  week,  in  the  evening, 
when  we  came  to  an  anchor,  Thomas  Gaw- 
throp  and  I  had  a  great  mind  to  go  on  fliore, 
that  we  might  endeavour  to  find  a  meet- 
ing of  friends.  Next  day  fome  of  the  com- 
pany ligaifying  their  intention  of  goii-g 
about  midnight,  that  being  the  time  when 
I  fuppofe  the  tide  woidd  ferve  beft;  we 
therefore  requefted  they  would  call  us, 
Avhich  they  did.  The  fhlp  lay  a  confider- 
able  diftance  from  the  town  of  Bricklham, 
where  we  intended  to  land.  We  had  been 
in  tlie  boat  but  a  little  while,  when  a 
great  ftorm  of  wind  and  rain  beat  furioully 
againft  us,  fo  that  the  men  at  the  oars 
found  it  hard  to  keep  the  boat  up  againft 
it..  We  encouraged  them  all  in  our  power 
to  work  for  their  own  lives  and  ours,  let- 
ting them  know,  if  they  would  bring  us 
fafc  to  land,  they  fhould  be  well  rewarded 
for  their  pains.  The  danger  of  being  dri- 
ven back  to  fea  was  very  apparent,  and  I 
believe  much  feared  by  all  in  the  boat. 
The  poor  men  exerted  their  utmoft  en- 
deavour, which,  through  the  good  provi- 
dence of  God,  proved  fuccefsful  in  bring- 
ing us  fate  to  land.  This  I  looked  upon 
as  a  merciful  prefervation,  having  feldom, 

-  if 


f 

JOHN    GRIFFITH.         \o% 

if  ever,  in  the  courfe  of  my  life,  appre- 
hended greater  danger.  We  were  exceed- 
ingly wet  with  the  rain,  but  having  good 
fires  made  for  us,  and  other  neceflary  ac- 
commodations, did  not  fiifFer  much  there- 
by. By  enquiry,  we  found  there  was  a 
meeting  of  our  friends  held  near  a  place 
called  Newton-Bufhel,  about  ten  miles  ofF, 
to  which  we  went,  being  truly  thankful 
for  the  great  favour  of  a  fafe  arrival  in  Eng- 
land, and  the  opportunity  of  fitting  down 
in  a  meeting  of  friends  again;  though  we 
did  hold  meetings  amongil  ourfelves  ia 
our  captivity,  on  firfl-days,  when  it  ap- 
peared pradicable.  This  meeting  was  but 
fmall,  and  the  life  of  religion  feemed  to 
me  at  a  low  ebb.  I  had  nothing  to  deUver 
unto  them  by  way  of  teflimony.  Friends 
were  very  loving  to  us.  On  fecond-day 
we  proceeded  towards  London,  as  far  as 
Exeter,  where  friends  entertained  us  kindly 
that  night.  Next  day  Thomas  Gawthrop, 
Ifaac  Greenleaf,  and  myfelf  (leaving  our 
ancient  friend  Peter  Davis  with  friends 
there)  hired  horfes  as  far  as  Honiton. 
There  I  bought  a  good  ferviceable  mare, 
that  carried  me  fafe  and  well  through  moft 
of  my. travels  this  journey  in  England  and 
Wales.  We  took  Bridgport  in  our  way, 
and  lodged  with  our  worthy  friend  Samuel 
Bownas,  who,  with  his  houfe-keeper,  en- 
tertained us  with  affedlionate  kindnefs. 
Nov7  did  we  bea:in  to  enioy  the  fweetnefs 

of 


102        The    journal    of 

of  brotherly  love  again.  The  quarterly-^ 
meeting  for  Dorfetiliire  was  held  next  day 
at  that  place,  to  which  we  went.  It  was 
very  fmall,  and  the  power  of  truth  wliich 
is  the  crown  of  all  our  religious  meetings,  as 
I  thought  was  very  low  therein.  We  muft 
live  in  that  power  at  other  times,  if  we  ex- 
pect its  gracious  afTiIlance  in  tlie  weighty 
affairs  of  the  church  when  met  for  the  ma- 
nagement thereof;  for  that  which  is  born 
of  the  flefh  is  but  flefli,  and  cannot  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God,  nor  fo  much  as 
fee  it.  All  is  certainly  of  the  flefli  that 
hath  its  principal  delight  and  fatisfadlion  in 
fublunary  things.  So  that,  although  fome 
may  maintain  the  charadler  of  God's  peo- 
ple as  to  the  outward  appearance,  yet  if 
the  love  of  earthly  things  hath  the  chief 
room  in  their  hearts,  the  love  of  the  Father 
is  not  in  them ;  and  therefore  fuch  are  not 
qualified  to  do  God's  work.  Church-govern- 
ment, according  to  the  difcipline  he  in  his 
wifdom  hath  eftablifhed,  requires  our  under- 
flandings  to  be  divinely  enlightened  to  move 
rightly  therein;  but  when  any  fpeak  and 
acft  in  the  fame  natural  reafon  and  under- 
flanding  whereby  they  manage  their  outward 
affairs,  which  although  capable  of  the  one, 
is  altogether  unfit  for  the  other;  for  ''  the 
world  by  wifdom  knows  not  God,"  confe- 
quently  thefe  are  not  likely  to  underfland  his 
work ;  but  in  their  pretended  endeavours  to 
promote,  they  mar  it,  and  frequently  darken 

counfol 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         103 

counfel  by  a   multitude  of  words   without 
right  knowledge.     Inftead  of  raifmg  life  in 
a  meeting,    they  bring  death  and  dark'nefs 
over  it,    to  the  great  pain  of  the  upright- 
hearted,  who  are  not  always  ready  (like  thofc. 
above  hinted  at)  but  experimentally  know- 
ing  their   fafficiency  for  every  good  word 
and  work  to    be    of    God,    they  dare  not 
move  until  it  pleafe  him,  by  moving  upon 
their  hearts,    to  open  their  underllandings 
and   to  be  a  fpirit  of  judgment  unto  them : 
in  this  only,    there  is  binding  and  loofing, 
remitting   and    retaining,    with  divine   ap- 
probation;   which  is    livingly   known  and 
fealed  vipon  the  underftanding  of  the  faith- 
ful,   by  the  holy  fpirit  of  pronaife.     Our 
way  was   quite  fhut  up   as   to  miniftry  or 
other  publick  fervice  in  that  meeting.    After 
which  we  purfued  our  journey  for  London. 
But  I  found  conftant  riding  very   painful, 
not   only    becaufe   I   had   not    rode    much 
for  a  confiderable  time,  but  having,  accord- 
ing to  the  cuftom  of  America,   been  ufed 
to  an  eafy   pacer.     My  mare  now  being  a 
trotter,  was  hard  to  bear  until  1  was  more 
accuftomed  thereunto,    which   then  proved 
very  agreeable.     Our  friend  John  Hunt  and 
his  wife  met  us  on  7th  day  at  Staines,  and 
being  in  a  coach,  prevailed  on  me,  as  I  was 
weary  with  riding,  to  go  with  them  there- 
into, and  took  me  to  their  houfe,  where  I 
was  kindly  ea|ertained,  not  only  that  time 
€rf  my   ftay  in  the  cijty,  but  alfo  at  divers 

other 


I04        The    JOURNAL    of 

other  times  during  my  travels  in  this  na- 
tion. I  continued  about  two  weeks,  in  the 
city,  vifiting  meetings  as  they  fell  in  courfe, 
being  moflly  low  and  pretty  much  difcou- 
ragea  in  my  mind  with  a  deep  fenfe  of 
mine  own  weaknefs,  the  greatnefs  of  the 
work  which  was  before  me,  and  the  mourn- 
ful ftate  of  the  church,  as  it  appeared  to 
me,  in  London.  I  had  but  little  opcnnefs 
as  to  miniilry,  yet  endeavoured  to  wade 
along  as  patiently  as  I  could;  it  appearing 
to  be  my  principal  bufinefs  then  to  fuf- 
f-T  with  the  opprefled  feed,  mourning  with 
a  fenfible  remnant,  who  I  could  perceive 
had  fackcloch  underneath,  for  the  preva- 
lence of  worldly  wifdom  and  grandeur  in 
that  great  city ;  the  little  low  meek  thing, 
which  by  the  power  of  God  was  exalted 
amongft  us  in  the  early  time  of  our  being 
a  people,  was  in  too  general  a  way  over- 
looked and  difregarded ;  and  man's  will  and 
wifdom  taking  its  place,  was  grown  very 
high,  affumed  the  government  in  a  large 
degree,  where  the  wifdom  of  God  for- 
merly bore  rule.  But  this  did  not  profper ; 
inflead  thereof,  greater  wafte  and  defolation 
prevailed.  The  breathing  panting  babes 
after  heavenly  fubftance  were  greatly  dif- 
couraged,  being  ready  to  fay.  All  is  gone ! 
The  glory  is  departed  from  Ifrael !  What 
can  be .  done  now  ?  But  I  faw  they  were  to 
be  raifed  in  the  Lord's  time.,  as  an  army  to 
fight  his  battles  againil  the,  uncircumcifed 

m 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         loj 

in  heart  and  ears ;  and  that  the  vidlory 
over  that  fpirit  was  to  be  obtained  through 
fafferings.  Thus  1  have  given  a  fhort  hint 
of  the  afflicflhig  view  I  had  of  the  ftate  of 
our  fociety  in  the  city  of  London;  which 
place  I  ihall  leave  for  the  prefent;  as  I 
ihall,  in  the  courfe  of  this  journal,  have 
occafion,  divers  times,  to  make  fome  far- 
ther obfervations  thereon,  which  may  tend 
to  explain  the  above. 

I  had  an  ancient  mother  in  Radnorfhire, 
South  Wales,  whom  I  had  not  feen  for 
about  twenty- two  years.  I  therefore  pur- 
pofed  taking  meetings  in  my  wsy  thither, 
and  alfo  in  my  return  to  London  yearly- 
meeting.  I  fet  out  in  order  to  be  at 
Reading  quarterly-meeting  the  i6th  of 
the  2d  month,  which  I  attended  to  good 
fatisfaftion.  After  this  meeting  I  took 
the  following  in  my  way,  viz.  Henley, 
Warborough,  Witneyj  Gloucefter,  and  Rofs. 
The  Lord  being  my  gracious  helper,  either 
to  do  or  fuffer,  in  which  I  endeavoured  to 
be  faithful,  according  to  the  difcovery  I 
received  of  the  divine  will.  The  26th 
I  got  to  my  mother's  houfe,  having  fent  a 
meflenger  a  little  before,  left  a  fudden  fur- 
prife,  although  arifing  from  much  joy, 
might  prove  too  great  a  fhock  for  my  dear 
ancient  mother  to  bear  without  fome  in- 
conveniency.  I  fuppofe  our  meeting  might 
fomewhat  refeipble  that  of  Jacob  and  his 
fon  Jofeph's,     It  doubtlefs  afforded  much 

comfort 


io6       The    JOURNAL    of 

comfort  to  my  worthy  mother,  Ihe  being 
a  valuable  religious  woman,  not  only  to 
fee  me  again,  but  alfo  that  I  was  come  upon 
a  lervice  fhe  fo  greatly  loved  and  valued* 
My  honoured  father  had  then  been  dead 
about  three  years.  I  had  a  brother  and 
fider  then  living  with  my  mother,  and 
another  fiiRer  married,  who  lived  not  far 
from  her.  I  ftaid  thereabouts  fomewhat 
more  than  two  weeks ;  in  which  time  I 
had  divers  very  large,  and  fome  very  open 
precious  meetings;  many  of  other  focieties 
flocking  to  them,  who  feemed  much  reach- 
ed by  the  teflimony  of  truth.  But  alas ! 
I  found  things  very  low  there,  as  to  friends, 
which  was  caufe  of  forrow  to  my  mind. 
Wrong  things  creeping  in,  and  very  few 
if  any,  who  had  judgment  and  courage 
enough  to  deal  plainly  with  diforderly 
walkers.  I  was  at  their  monthly  meet- 
ing, and  endeavoured  to  flir  them  up  to  a 
more  diligent  and  zealous  exercife  of  whole- 
fome  difcipline ;  but  they  appeared  weak. 
On  2d  day,  the  i6th  of  the  3d  month, 
I  took  leave  of  my  dear  mother,  brother,  and 
fifters,  and  fet  out  in  order  to  be  at  the 
yearly-meeting  in  London,  Edward  Jones 
bearing  me  company.  I  took  the  follow- 
ing meetings  in  my  way,  viz.  Ammelly, 
Leominfler,  a  quarterly  held  at  Broomfgrove, 
Worcefter,  Evefliam,  Shipfton ;  on  firlt-day 
had  two  meetings,  at  Lonycompton  in  the 
niorning  and  Ghippingngrcon  in  the  after- 
noon ; 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        107 

Boon ;  then  to  High  Wickham,  Chefham, 
and  Uxbridge.  I  had  divers  open  fatisfac- 
tOYj  meetings,  and  fome  very  tx^ying  an4 
afflidting.  The  Lord  was  pleafed  to  be  my 
help  and  fupport,  to  whom  be  humble 
thankfgivings  for  his  gracious  condelcen- 
lion  to  the  low  eftate  of  his  poor  fervants. 

I  got  to  London  on  the  yth  day  of  the 
week,  and  the  day  following  attended  Grace- 
church- ftreet  and  Devonfliire-Houfe  meet- 
ings ;  but  I  had  very  little  opennefs  there- 
in. My  fpirit  was  very  .low  and  greatly 
depreffed,  fo  that  I  feemed  to  myfelf  near 
fainting  under  the  weight  of  my  burden, 
which  was  very  great.  On  2d  day  the 
yearly-meeting  began.  The  firft  was  a 
meeting  of  miniders  and  elders  in  the  morn- 
ing. Many  brethren  were  met  from  divert 
parts  of  the  nation.  Amongft  whom,  I 
looked  upon  myfelf  as  a  mere  child,  hav- 
ing much  fear  and  reafoning  in  my  niind 
left  I  fliould  difconour  the  great  mafter's 
caufe,  and  difcover  my  great  weaknefs  (as 
the  fame  appeared  in  my  own  view)  to 
thofe  pillars  in  the  church  and  experien- 
ced fervants  in  the  Lord's  work.  But  he  in 
great  mercy  condeicended  to  my  very  low 
jeftate,  and  regarded  m^y  humble  breathings, 
giving  me  the  w^ord  of  life  to  preach  with 
demonftration  that  day,  which  much  opened 
my  way  in  the  minds  of  friends,  and  was 
of  conhderable  advantage  to  me  in  my  fu- 
tpxe  fervice;  for  very  much  depends  on  our 

P  having 


fo8       The    JOURNAL    of 

having  good  place  in  the  hearts  of  the  faith^ 
fill,  and  that  cannot  well  be  until  they  know 
lis.  Chriftian  prudence  teacheth  not  to 
lay  hands  fuddenly  on  any;  therefore  fuch 
mud  fee  and  feel  the  fpirits  one  of  another, 
in  fome  degree,  before  they  can  unite.  Was 
there  not  great  care  and  caution  in  this  re- 
fpedl,  grois  hypocrify,  by  putting  on  the  out- 
ward appearance,  might  be  encouraged, 
which  w^ould  be  a  very  grievous  wound  to 
God's  caufe  ?  Many  friends  after  this  meet- 
ing fliewcvl  afFe(5tionate  regard  to  me;  but 
none  more  than  that  fubftantial  minifter  of 
the  gofpel  Samuel  Bownas.  It  had  a  pro- 
per eftecl  upon  my  mind,  to  ftrengthen  it, 
and  raife  humble  acknowledgements  to  the 
Lord  for  his  mercy  herein.  It  being  my 
fervent  prayer,  that  whatever  I  might  go 
through  on  account  of  the  unfaithful,  my 
fervice  and  labours  might  be  acceptable  to 
the  famts,  and  that  1  might  be  favoured 
with  a  fenfe  of  the  unity  and  help  of  their 
fpirits  accompanying  me  therein.  I  at- 
tended the  yearly-meeting  conftantly,  both 
the  meetings  for  worfhip  and  difcipline 
as  they  fell  in  courfe.  The  power  and 
virtue  of  truth  was  near,  to  the  flrengthen- 
ing  and  comforting  our  fpirits  in  a  good 
degree:  but  I  have  known  a  much  fuller 
enjoyment  and  overfliadowing  thereof,  even 
wlien  all  the  hills  and  mountains  have  been 
melted  as  it  were,  before  him  who  is 
glorious  ia  holinefs,    and  fearful  in  praile, 

working 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        109 

working  wonders  for  the  help  and  prefer- 
vation  of  his  people.  O  then  we  could  ex- 
perhnentally  fay,  the  Lord  of  awful  majefty 
prefideth  amongll  us,  being  a  fpirit  of 
judgment  to  them  that  fit  in  judgment,  and 
all  we  ftand  in  need  of;  even  as  a  place  of 
broad  rivers  and  llreams,  where  nothing 
of  man's  invention  could  obtain  any  place ! 
Thefe  were  times  of  rejoicing  in  the  pre- 
fence  of  the  Lord,  and  drinking  freely  df 
the  wine  and  milk,  without  money  and 
witiiout  price.  O  how  hath  my  foul  faid, 
it  is  good  to  be  here!  Having  a  defire,  with 
Peter,  to  tabernacle  there;  much  dreading 
to  defcend  into  this  vale  of  tears  again, 
where  I  mud  ftruggle  with  my  many  in- 
firmities, which  I  did  not  then  much  feel : 
but  I  do  not  inftance  this  with  defign  to 
jaftify  thofe  anxious  fears  and  taking 
thought  for  the  time  to  come;  but  rather 
as  a  mark  of  my  great  weaknefs  and  want 
of  growth  in  the  molt  precious  faith,  which 
is  the  faints  vicfhory,  whereby,  as  we  grow 
therein^  ftrength  and  patience  is  received, 
to  endure  hardnefs  as  good  fbldiers  of  Jefus 
Ghrift;  not  viewing  with  much  anxious 
fear  thefe  light  affli6lions,  which  are  but 
for  a  moment ;  feeing,  in  due  time,  if  we 
are  properly  exercifed  thereby,  they  will 
w^ork  for  \\s  a  far  more  exceeding'  and  eter- 
nal weight  of  glory. 

On  the  fixth-day  of  the  next   week  after 
the  yearly-meeting,    I  fet  out  in'  order  to 

be 


no        The    JdUilNxlL    of 

be  at  the  three  eaftern  yearly-meetings,  being 
accompanied  by  my  friends  John  Hunt  and 
his  wife,  and  Chriftopher  Wilfon  who  was 
to  be  my  companion.  We  lodged  that 
night  at  E»  eritwood ;  next  morning  early 
we  pafTed  on  to  Chelmsford,  (the  weather 
being  extremely  hot,)  and  breakfailed  at  my 
dear  friend  Frances  Wyatt's,  who  after- 
wards^ through  the  kind  providence  of 
God,  became  my  truly  affedionate  wife. 
Divers  friends  went  forward  towards  Col- 
chefter,  but  my  companion  and  I  ftaid  at 
Chelmsford  meetings  on  firil-day.  The 
weather  continuing  very  hot,  I  think  then 
feqiial  in  heat  to  our  weather  in  America, 
there  arofe  a  ftorm  bf  thunder  and  rain  in 
the  time  of  the  meeting :  one  clap  of  thun- 
der, whilft  1  was  upon  my  feet,  io  terrified 
friends  as  to  take  awav  their  attention  for 
the  prefent,  and  I  expelled  to  have  been 
obliged  to  fit  down ;  but  waiting  a  fhort 
time,  friends  recovered,  and  1  went  on.  A 
boy  was  killed  thereby,  as  he  was  playing 
near  Springfield  fteeple-houfe,  about  a  mile 
from  Chelmsford,  We  went  after  meeting 
to  Kelvedon,  and  ne^^t  uioraing  were  ac^ 
companied  by  feveral  friends  towards  Col- 
cheiler;  but  1  was  fo  extremely  ill  of  a 
fever,  that  I  was  obliged  to  alight  at  Lexr 
ton,^'  about  a  mile  from  the  fliid  place.  We 
piounted  our  horfes  again  after  1  had  re- 
covered a  little;  but  before  we  had  pro- 
ceeded on  the  way  above  half  a  mUe^  tiiere 

fame 


JOHN   GRII^FITH.       in 

came  on  fuch  terrible  thunder,  as  is  feldom 
known  in  this  part  of  the  world.  The 
lightning  appeared  to  glide  in  llrQ.ams  of 
fire  on  the  furfiice  of  the  earth  a  confidera- 
ble  way,  and  there  feemed,  as  I  thouglitj 
a  ftrong  fmell  of  fulphur.  The  thunder 
frighted  my  mare  to  fuch  a  degree,  that  I 
being  poorly,  could  fcarcely  fit  her;  but 
through  mercy  I  received  no  hurt.  I  con^ 
tinned  ill  at  Colchefler,  fo  that  I  did  not 
attend  many  of  the  meetings.  The  yearly- 
meeting  ended  there  on  fourth- day.  On  the 
fixth-day  following^  I  was  i'o  recovered  as 
to  ride  in  a  chaife  to  Maningcree,  and  had 
a  meeting  there  the  fame  day.  On  feventh- 
day  w^e  went  through  IplWich  to  Wood- 
bridge,  in  order  to  attend  the  yearly  and 
quarterly  meetings  there  for  the  county  of 
Suffolk.  We  were  at  their  meethig  on 
firft-day ;  on  fecond-day  was  held  their 
liieeting  for  difcipline,  wherein  the  power 
and  virtue  of  truth  feemed  to  me  low  and 
deprefTed ;  and,  although  1  v/as  fully  per- 
fuaded  there  were  divers  living,  concerned 
members  therein^  who  had  the  caufe  of 
truth  at  heart,  yet  they  appeared  alfo  de- 
prefTed. The  chief  reafon  whereof  1  then  ap- 
prehended and  have  more  clearly  feen  fince, 
was  giving  too- much  place  to  a.few  bufy 
forward  members,  in  w^hom  man's  will  and 
wifdom  was  too  much  exalted,  who  afTumed 
the  rule  and  government  of  that  meeting; 
which  they    were  too  much  indulged    in 

by 


ri2       The  JOURNAL    of 

by  the  cowardice  of  thofe  whofe  proper 
bufinefs  it  was  to  work  for  God;  that  by 
his  bleffing  and  alTiilance,  they  might  exalt 
the  weight  and  authority  of  truth  over 
fuch  fpirits.  For  the  dominion  and  ma- 
jefty  of  truth  in  a  meeting  foon  foils  and 
overcomes  them,  as  it  is  abode  in  by  the 
heirs  thereof;  but  if  they  are  Hack  and 
negligent  in  poffelling  their  right,  vifur- 
pers  will  often  take""  it  from  them,  in  this 
ieiik.  So  that  fuch  who  are  called  to  work 
for  God  in  his  church,  by  holding  back  more 
than  is  meet,  not  only  bring  poverty  and 
leannefs  upon  their  own  foiils  thereby,  but 
alfo  open  a  door  for  the  fpirit  of  anvi- 
chrift  to  enter  in.  I  have  often  feen,  tiiat 
when  the  wife  woman  negleds  to  build  tL. 
houfe,  the  foolifli  woman,  by  prccendii*g 
to  build,  hath  pulled  it  down  wall  her 
own  hands:  this  hath  been  no  fmail  cauie 
of  the  wafte  and  defolation  in  fome  places. 
I  have  had  much  labour  with  that  bufy 
acflive  forward  fpirit  fmce,  both  in  meet- 
ings and  in  private  plain-dealing,  as  alfo 
in  ftirring  up  and  encouraging  the  right 
minded  to  (land  their  ground;  which  1  hope 
hath  not  been  altogether  without  fome  good 
effedl.  I  could  not  well  be  eafy  to  proceed 
without  making  the  above  remarks,  as  a 
caution  to  fuch  into  whofe  hands  this  may 
come,  lince  it  is  no  finall  thing  to  be 
guilty  of  negligence  in  the  work  of  God, 
nor  to  engage  therein  without  a  proper  qua- 
lifications 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        115 

lification.  Meetings  for  worfhip  were  held 
on  t:\irvl  and  fourth  days,  wherein  we  were 
fa.voured  with  a  good  degree  of  that  hea- 
venly virtue,  in  which  there  is  renewal  of 
ftrength  and  comfortable  fellowfiiip  one 
with  another.  From  thence  we  proceeded 
tovv^ards  Norwich,  taking  Brandifton  and 
J.aylton  meetings   in   our  way;  where  true 

■igion   appeared    to    be   mournfully    lov/. 

Norwich  we  were  favoured  with.con- 

:jrable  opennefs  and  fatisfadlion   in  their 

cetings  on  iirft-day.  The  quarterly,  and 
^  early  mf^edngs  for  the  county  of  Norfolk 
were  Jield  on  fecond,  third,  and  fourth 
d.iys.  Divine  goodnefs  was  felt  afiiiling  m 
clofc  exercife  and  labour,  for  the  help  and 
recovery  of  a  declined  people;  and  heavenly 
fellowfhiip  Iweetiy  enjoyed  with  thofe  who 
preferred  the  profpcrity  of  the  city  of  God 
to  their  chlefeft  joy.  On  fifth  day  we  had 
a  meeting  at  Wymondham,  wherein  we 
were  opeiicd  in  gofpei  iervice,  to  our  com- 
fort and  relief  in  k  good  degree.  Next  day 
we  had  a  meeting  at  Taiborough,  which 
was  a  very  painful  trying  time;  mv  duty 
therein  was  to  fet  an  example  of  filence. 
Here  my  agreeable  companion  and  I  parted. 
He  had  been  wich  me  ever  fince  I  left 
London,  i  was  now  alone,  as  to  any  con- 
ftant  companion,  and  on  the  firlt-day  fol- 
lowing attended  Norwich  meeting  to  pretty 
good  latisfa6lion ;  and  had  .  the  following 
meetings    appointed  in  my  way   to   Lynn 

viz. 


114        The    JOURNAL    of 

VIZ.   Lammas,   North  Walfam,    Holt,    and 
Wells;     in    nioit     of    which     I     had    clofe 
laborious  fervice:  being  led,    as  v/as   often 
my   lot,    to    ftir  up    and   awaken   (if    pof- 
fible)    carelefs    lukewarm    profefTors.       Our 
friend  Edmund  Peckover  accompanied    me 
to  Lynn,    where  we  had  two  meetings  on 
firft   day;    they    proved  very  painful    and 
laborious:  I  had  very  little  opennefs  as  to 
miniftry.      From   thence  we  went  to  Wif^ 
beach,    which    was   a  fmall  meeting,    and 
things  appeared  very  low.     The  next  meet- 
ing we  had  was  at  Gedney,  things  being  alfb 
very  low.     From  thence  we  went  to  Spald- 
ing,   and  had  a  heavy  la-borious  meeting: 
Jiere  my  friend  Edmund  Peckover  left   me 
•and  returned  home.     The  fame  day  was  a 
confiderable  ecUpfe  of  the  fun.     The  next 
meeting  I   had  was   at  Broughton,    which 
was   very  painful  and  affli(5ling.     The  great 
lofs    fome    in    that    part    of    LincolniTiire 
(through  which  I  paflTed)  have  fuftained,"  by 
forfaking  the  fountain  of  living   water  and 
the  commonwealth  of  our  Ifrael,  that  they 
might  embrace  this  prefent  world,  Demas- 
like,    was  forrov/fully  felt:    although  fome 
of   them    might  retain  the  outward    form, 
yet  having  loft  the  dew  of  their  youth,  they 
were   become   dry   and  formal:    by  whofe 
means,  and  the  undue  liberties  indulged  in 
too  many  of  the  youth,    a  thick  darknefs 
was  raifed  that  might  be  felt;  which  did^ 
in  a  forrowful  degree,    tend  to  eclipfe  the 

beauty 


jonu  Griffith:,      u^ 

beauty  of  our  Si  on.  I  travelled  from  thence 
through  Newark,  and  a  confiderable  way 
by  the  pleafant  river  Trent,  to  Nottingham. 
Being  firil-day,  I  was  at  the  meetings  there 
both  fore  and  afternoon*  Truth  greatly 
favoured  in  opening  dodlrine  and  counfel 
in  the  morning;  the  afternoon  not  quitd 
fo  open,  but  in  a  good  degree  to  fiitisfaction* 
From  thence  to  Oxon  meeting,  which  was 
fmall  yet  open.  From  thence  to  Manf^ 
field,  and  had  a  painful  trying  meeting 
there.  The  next  was  at  Cheilerfield^  where 
the  meeting  was  but  fmall,  yet  truth  livingly 
favoured,  opening  counfel  tor  our  help  and 
Encouragement  in  the  way  of  well  doing. 
^Notice  being  previouily  given,  I  had  a  large 
meeting  at  Matlock  on  firft-day.  There 
were  a  few  friends,  and  many  others  at  this 
meeting,  which  proved  heavy  and  laborious 
for  fome  time;  yet  divine  goodnefs  afforded 
ability  to  work  through,  and  the  holy 
power  of  God  was  in  a  good  degree  exalted; 
praifes  to  his  name  for  ever!  The  next 
meeting  I  had  was  at  Hanfworthwood- 
Houfe  on  the  borders  of  Yorkihi;  e.  Ihere 
were  but  few  friends,  and  of  thofe  few, 
moft  of  them  feemed  to  depend  too  mach, 
upon  the  labour  of  the  min-flers,  as  is 
forrowfully  the  cafe  in  too  many  other 
places.  I  had  nothing  to  adminiiler  unto 
them  but  an  exam.ple  of  filence,  that  ap^ 
fearing  beil  adapted  to  their  dates ;  for 
tmlefs  the  great  benefit  thereof  is  experien* 


ii6        The    JOURNAL    oi 

ced,  there  can  be  no  real  advancement  in 
true  religion.  I  went  from  thence  to  Shef- 
field, which  was  a  large  meeting,  and  the 
do6lrine  of  truth  was  largely  and  livingly 
opened  therein;  I  believe  to  general  fatis- 
faclion,  and  to  the  comfort  of  the  upright- 
hearted.  From  thence  I  went  to  Highflats, 
and  was  at  their  meeting  on  firft-day, 
Tv^hich  vv^is  very  large;  being  compofed  of 
plain  country  friends.  The  Lord  was  plea- 
fed  to  fevour  us  with  a  precious  oppor- 
tunity together,  in  the  comfortable  enjoy- 
ment of  his  love  flied  abroad;  under  which 
holy  influence,  the  doctrine  of  truth  was 
largely  opened;  the  glorious  powerful  name 
of  the  Lord  was  magnified,  and  his  hum- 
ble, dependant  children  were  encouraged 
to  ferve  him  with  a  perfe6l  heart  and  with 
a  willing  mind.  The  next  meeting  I  had 
was  at  Brighoufe,  which  was  to  pretty  good 
fatis faction ;  truth  owning  and  comforting 
our  fpirits  therein.  Next  day  I  had  a  very 
painful  afflicT:ing  meeting  at  Halifax,  hav- 
ing reafon  to  fear  but  few  of  the  members 
were  rightly  acquainted  with  the  quickening 
virtue  of  true  religion  in  themfelves : 
when  this  is  the  forrowful  cafe,  it  makes 
heavy  work  for  painful  travellers.  My  la- 
bour amonglt  them  was  in  a  clofe  roufing 
way,  but  it  did  not  appear  to  have  much 
impreffion.  From  thence  to  Gilderfome, 
where  I  had  a  pretty  open  comfortable 
meeting;    and  next  day  one  at    Leeds    to 

fatisfadion. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        117 

fatlsfaclion.      This  being  a  large  meetings 
I    ftaid  over  firft-day,    and  am   purfuaded 
there    was      a    fenfible    weighty    body     of 
friends     belonging     thereunto ;     yet     there 
feemed  to  me  a  much  larger,   as  to  num- 
ber,   who  contented  themfelves  in  the  pro- 
feffion  of  truth,    and  in  hearing  the  report 
of   others    concerning   the   heavenly    coun- 
try.      The   indifference  of   thefe,    together 
with  their  eagernefs  after  words,  appeared 
to  me  a  caufe  of  painful  anxiety  of  fpirit 
in    that    meeting,    which    I    liad    to   faffer 
under  both    morning  and  afternoon.     Here 
my  friends  John  Hunt  and  his    wife  from 
London    met    me,    with    intent  to  accom- 
pany me  to  fome  meetings  in  that  county, 
of    which  I  was  glad,    being  alone,    often 
low  and    much  difcouraged  in  mind,  in  a 
deep  feeling  of  mine  own  weaknefs ;  as  alfo 
having  to  wade  from  place  to  place,    in  a 
painful  fenfe  of     a  greatly  declined  people 
whom  I  was  concerned  to  labour  amongft ; 
fo  that,    had  not  divine  goodnefs  at  times 
m.ade  me  fenfible  his  everlafting  arm  was 
underneath,    to   fupport   my    afflicted   foul 
in  various  probations,  I  had  certainly  faint- 
ed.    But,  bleffed  be  his  holy  name  forever,. 
he  w^as  often  gracioufly  pleafed  to  open  a 
way  for  me  to  hold  on,  when  I  couid  fee 
none,  leading  me  by  the  hand  like  a  tender 
merciful    fathef,    one    flcp    after    another; 
and  giving  me  more  place  in  the  love  and 
.  regard  of  his  people  than  I  looked  for,  or 

couldj 


xi8         The    JOURNAI    of 

could,  as  I  thought,  reafonably  expect,  t 
was  many  times  greatly  abaled  in  mine  own 
fight;  ready  to  fay,  to  what  good  purpofe. 
do  i  vifir  the  churches?  for  1  icem  to  move 
in  an  untrodden  path,  as  under  the  weight 
of  the  hills  and  mountains  of  exalted  nn- 
fruitiulneis  5  and  often,  as  it  were,  groping 
in  the  chambers  of  death,  with  fuch  con- 
ftant  afiiidling  views,  that  I  was  ready  to 
fay  With  the  prophet,  *'  1  am  a  man  of  un- 
*^  clean  lips,  and  I  dwell  amongil  a  people  of 
*'  unclean  lips;"  but  the  live  coal  from  the 
holy  altar,  loon  removes  all  that  tincSure 
or  feeming  defilement^  which  doth  not 
proceed  from  our  own  fins  and  mifcarriages, 
but  trom  thofe  of  others.  Thou  deep  wader 
for  the  good  of  fouls,  this  is  wrote  prin- 
cipally for  thy  ^  fake,  that  thou  mayft  fee 
others  have  gone  the  fame  way  before  thee, 
and  be  encoiiragcd  fo  as  not  to  fink  under 
tliy  burden*  i  found  in  the  Lord's  time 
(as  thou  wilt,  if  thou  patiently  holds  on 
thy  way)  that  tribulation  v/orketh  patience, 
and  patience  experience,  and  experience 
hope.  The  Lorcl  gave  me  thereby  clearly 
to  fee,  I  mull  thus  feel  the  wounds,  bruifes^ 
^nd  putrifying  fores  of  the  fons  and  daugh- 
ters of  Sion,  or  1  could  not  fpeak  to  their 
ftates  and  conditions  feelingly  and  effec- 
tually for  their  help  and  recovery.  Our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrifi:  was  touched 
with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities.  He  bore 
the  weight  and   painful   fer^fe  of   the  fins 

of 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        IT9 

of  the  whole  world,  tafling  death  for  every 
man;  whereby  he  reached  forth  a  merci-* 
ful  hand  of  help  and  lalvation  for  the  re- 
covery of  all,  fufficient  for  all  who  be* 
lieve  in  hiin  and  obey  him;  and  his  faith- 
ful meifengers  mull  know,  in  degree,  a 
drinking  of  the  fame  cup,  and  being  bap- 
tized with  the  fame  baptifm  he  was  bap- 
tized with,  not  only  on  their  own  accounts, 
but  alfo  on  the  account  of  others.  He 
ftill  fuifers  by  his  fpirit,  as  under  the 
weight  and  opprefTion  of  (in  and  iniquity, 
in  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men;  fo 
that  all  thofe  who  are  one  in  fpirit  with 
him,  muft  in  meafure  feel  his  fufferings, 
and  fympathize  with  him  therein;  travel- 
ling in  pain,  that  Chrift  may  be  formed  in 
the  hearts  of  mankind,  ruling  in  his  king- 
dom on  earth,  as  he  rules  in  heaven. 
But  thefe  things  are  too  myflerious  for  the 
wife  and  prudent  of  this  world  to  under- 
ftand,  being  only  revealed  to  thofe  who 
^re  indeed  born  of  God. 

We  (laid  at  Leeds  until  fifth-day,  there 
being  a  burial,  attended  by  a  large  numbei? 
of  friends  and  others.  Truth  opened  our  way 
in  the  miniftry  to  good  fatisfaftion.  Next 
day  we  had  a  fmall  meeting  at  Knaref- 
borough,  where  we  found  things  very  low. 
From  thence  we  went  to  Thirfk)  and  on 
firll-day  had  a  precious  open  meeting  there, 
in  which  the  teilimony  of  truth  was  greatly 
€3U\lted|    and   tjie   upright-hearted    Iweetly 

comforted 


120        The    journal    of 

comforted.  The  praife  of  all  belongs  to 
the  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 
Next  day  we  went  to  vifit  our  ancient 
honourable  friend  John  Richardfon,  at  his 
houfe  near  Hutton  in  the  Hole.  He  had 
fcarcely  fight  enough  to  diftinguifti  us  one 
from  the  other.  We  we-re  received  and 
entertained  by  him  with  true  love  and  bro- 
therly affedlion.  He  was  much  at  liberty 
in  his  fpirit,  and  very  free  in  difcourfe 
about  religious  things,  in  which  his  life  and 
great  delight  appeared  to  be.  He  fliewed 
us  (in  manufcript)  a  journal  of  his  life 
and  travels  in  the  fervice  of  the  gofpel, 
fince  publifhed,  wherein  are  many  very 
ufefvil  obfervations  and  remarkable  occur- 
rences, which  I  hope  will  be  of  great  fer- 
vice in  the  world.  On  third-day  we  had 
a  meeting  at  Hutton,  wherein  we  were  fa- 
voured with  fome  degree  of  opennefs;  yet 
truth  did  not  raife  to  any  confiderable  de- 
gree of  dominion:  but  all  is  beft  as  the 
Lord  is  pleafed  to  order,  for  from  him  alone 
proceed  the  ifTues  of  life.  On  fourth- 
day  morning  we  took  leave  of  our  faid 
worthy  friend  in  much  afFedtion,  and  had 
a  fmall  meeting  at  Bilfdale:  things  were 
low  as  to  the  life  of  religion  in  that 
meeting ;  after  which  I  parted  with  my 
friends  John  Hunt  and  his  wife.  John 
Scot  of  Leeds  continued  with  me,  who 
was  an  honeft  labourer  for  the  arifing  of 
life  in  meetings,    and  I  thought  of  conli- 

derable 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        121 

derable  help  to  me.  The  next  meeting,  we 
had  was  at  North  Allerton ;  which  was  ra- 
ther low  and  heavy  to  wade  through.  We 
went  from  thence  to  Darlington  in  the 
county  of  Durham.  I  had  clofe  painful 
labour  there;  earthly-mindednefs  in  pro- 
felfors  is  often  the  caufe  of  fuch  hard 
work,  as  it  obltrucls  the  current  of  life, 
both  in  themfelves  and  alfo  frequently  in 
our  religious  meetings,  like  the  Philiitines 
flopping  up  the  wells  which  the  true,  feed 
hath  opened  in  the  hearts  of  believers ; 
fo  that  many  times,  inftead  of  their  having 
to  iing,  Spring  up,  O  well,  and  Vv^e  will  fing 
unto  the€l  there  is  mourning  and  painful 
labour  in  fympathy  therewith,  to  have  them 
opened  again,  that  the  flock  of  Ghrift's  fold 
may  all  be  watered  with  the  refrefliing 
ftreams  of  that  river  which  iflows  from  the 
prefence  of  God.  The  next  meeting  I 
went  to  was  Raby,  being  on  a  firfl-day ;  it 
was  a  large  heavenly  meeting,  truth  having 
great  dominion,  and  friends  were  fweetlj 
comforted  together.  At  Bifliop  Auckland, 
the  Lord  favoured  v/ith  matter  and  utter- 
ance to  a  coniiderable  degree  of  eafe  and 
fiitisfaftion.  From  thence  I  went  to  the 
city  of  Durham,  and  had  a  hard  painful 
meeting  in  lilence;  alfo  at  Newcaftie  we 
had  a  clofe,  trying,  laborious  meeting; 
occafioned,  as  I  apprehended,  by  undue 
liberties  in  thinking  and  ading,  which  had 
I'aifed  darknefs  to  be  felt  in  that  meet- 
ing. 


!2i        The    J  O  U  R  K  A  L    of 

ing.  We  had  an  open  comfortable  meeting 
the  next  day  at  Shields.  We  went  to 
Sunderland,  and  attended  their  meetings  oii 
firft-day;  that  in  the  morning  was  very- 
open  and  fatisfaclory,  the  tellimoiiy  of 
truth  going  forth  freely  to  the  feveral  ftates 
of  thofe  prefent,  who  were  much  affeded 
therewith.  In  the  afternoon  it  was  a  heavy 
affli (Sling  meeting ;  but  little  felt  of  that 
which  crowned  the  meeting  in  the  morn- 
ing. We  often  find  afternoon  meetings  are 
the  mod  heavy  and  painful,  occalioned,  no 
doubt  (in  part  at  lead)  by  anfwering  the 
cravings  of  nature  to  the  full;  whereas  they 
Ihould  be  denied  a  full  gratification,  as 
little  fullenance  w^ould,  for  that  lliorc  fpace 
of  time,  anfwer  much  better,  and  be  no 
injury  to  the  conftitution.  If  any  think  this 
hint,  by  way  of  caution,  impertinent,  there 
is  reafon  to  doubt,  that  they  are  yet  too 
much  ftrangers  to  the  nature  of  true  wor- 
ihip  and  the  many  impediments  in  the  way 
of  its  due  performance;  what  I  have  above- 
mentioned  is  none  of  the  leaft.  I  was 
quite  ftiut  np  as  to  miniftry  in  the  after- 
noon. Here  I  met  my  valuable  friends 
Jonathan  and  Margaret  Raine  of  Trawden 
m  Lancalhire,  being  the  firft  time  1  faw 
them;  concerning  whom,  more  hereafter. 
On  fecond-day  we  had  another  meeting  in 
the  city  of  Durham,  wherein  the  Lord  was 
gracioufly  pleafed  to  exalt  his  glorious  and 
-powerful  name  over  all  diforderly  and  cor- 
rupt 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        123 

rupt  libertine  fpirits ;  there  being  fome 
fuch  in  the  meeting,  which  was  evident  to 
me,  from  the  main  fcope  of  the  teftimony 
I  had  to  deUver  amongft  them.  It  was  with 
remarkable  authority  and  fharpnefs  agai.ift 
fuch,  who  having  departed  from  the  divine 
light,  wherewith  all  mankind  are  enlight- 
ened, choofing  rather  to  be  in  darknefs, 
were  fo  loll  in  a  maze  of  error,  as  even 
to  call  in  queftion  the  truths  of  the  Chrif- 
tian  religion.  I  was  afterwards  informed 
that  there  Vv'ere  fome  fuch  in  that  meeting 
■who  had  imbibed  the  dark  and  wicked 
principle  of  deifm,  or  free-thinking,  fo  cal-^ 
led;  but  I  had  no  outward  information 
Goneerning  the  ftate  of  any  there  before  the 
meeting,  v/hich  I  always  carefully  fhunned. 
The  next  meeting  I  had  was  ac  Stockton, 
to  pretty  good  fatisfadlion,  as  truth  opened 
my  way  to  difcharge  the  fervice  required  |, 
yet  the  meeting  was  fmall,  and  things  ap- 
peared low,  as  to  the  life  of  religion.  I 
went  from  thence  to  Yarum  in  Yorkihire ; 
had  a  meeting  there,  and  at  Yatten,  and 
Moorfiiam,  to  a.^.ood  degree  of  fatisfadlion. 
The  next  met^ting  I  had  was  at  Caftleton, 
The  two  laft  ^  named-  were  on  the  Moors, 
amongft  a  very  j>lain  people,  v/ho  appeared 
to  be  in  a  low  llation  of^  life,  but  I  found 
the  favour  and  virtue  of  truth  amongft  them, 
efpecially  at  the  latter;  to  which  that  fnb- 
flantial  miniiler  of  the  gofpel  Luke  Cock, 
did  in  his  life-time  belong;    the  remeiri- 

II  branc^ 


124       The    JOURNAL    of 

braiice  of  whom,  although  I  never  perfon- 
nally  knew  him,  was  very  freih  and  living- 
ly  before  me  in  that  meeting,  as  if  his  fpirit 
had  been  prefent ;  I  could,  as  I  thought, 
perceive  the  good  effecls  of  that  worthy 
mian's  Chriilian  labours  amongft  thofe  peo- 
ple; and  a  precious  meeting  the  Lord 
favoured  us  with  together:  to  whom,  for 
the  multitude  of  his  mercies  beftowed  upon 
"us,  poor  unworthy  helplefs  creatures,  be 
humble  thankfgiving  and  praife,  now  and 
for  evermore.  Whitby  was  the  next  meet- 
ing I  attended,  being  on  firft-day,  where 
I  had  very  clofe  laborious  work.  An  earth- 
ly lofty  fpirit  had  taken  too  much  place  in 
lome  of  the  profeifors ;  the  tendency  where- 
of is,  by  darkening  the  underftanding,  and 
blinding  the  judgment,  to  account  various 
weighty  branches  of  our  Chriilian  teftimony 
fmall  trifling  things.  Here  the  flefh,  |:hat 
warreth  againft  the  fpirit,  having  the  af- 
cendency,  its  language  is  quite  oppofite 
thereunto.  The  flefli  iaith,  there  is  little  in 
drefs ;  religion  doth  not  confifl  in  apparel ; 
there  is  little  in  language ;  there  is  little  in 
paying  tythes  &c.  to  the  prlefls;  there  is 
little  in  carrying  guns  in  our  fliips,  to  de- 
fend ourfelves  in  cafe  we  are  attacked  by 
an  enemy.  To  which,  I  think,  it  may  be 
fafely  added,  there  is  little  or  nothing  in 
people,  who  plead  as  above  hinted,  pretend- 
ing to  be  of  our  fociety  ;  for  if  they  can 
eahly  let  fall  the  before-mentioned  branches 

of 


JOHN    GRiFFIFH,         125 

of  our  Chriftian  teftimony,  I  am  fully  per- 
fuaded,  they  will  maintain  the  others  no 
longer  than  they  apprehend  it  will  fuit 
witii  their  temporal  intereft.  I  have  often 
wondered  why  fuch  continue  to  profefs 
with  us  at  all.  They  are  not  really  of  uiS 
who  are  not  concerned  to  maintain  tiioie 
principles  and  tellimonies  the  I-ord  hath 
given  us  to  bear.  I  was,  through  mercv, 
enabled  to  difcharge  the  lervice  required  of 
me,  and  went  from  thence  to  Scarborough, 
where  the  Lord,  in  gracious  condefcenfion, 
was  pleafed  to  open  dodlrine  and  couniel 
for  their  help ;  who  appeared  to  me  moltly 
low  and  weak,  as  to  a  real  gruwdi  in  true 
religion.  From  thence  I  went  to  Picker- 
ing, where  the  Lord  gave  us  a  very  precious 
opportunity  together,  in  the  comfortable 
enjoyment  of  his  power  and  refrefhii-g 
prelence;  t5  the  exaltation  and  renown  of 
his  great  name,  who  is  worthy  for  ever. 
Next  day  I  had  a  meeting  at  Malton,  being 
a  clofe  fearching  time;  truth  leemed  at  a 
low  ebb  there.  The  next  meeting  at 
Cranfick  was  very  fmall,  but  the  Lord 
was  pleafed  to  own  and  comfort  us  toge- 
ther, affording  counfel  for  their  help  and 
encouragement.  I  went  from  thence  to 
Bridlington,  and  was  at  their  meeting  on 
firft-day ;  it  was  fmall,  and  things  very  low 
amongft  them,  as  to  the  life  of  religion. 
Oh  how  greatly  is  that,  and  many  other 
meetings  decliued,    both  a^  to  number  and 

a  hvely 


126         Thl    journal    or 

a  lively  experience  of  true  religion:  fome 
friends  informed  me,  as  I  remember,  that 
they  knew  the  time,  when  fourteen  or  fif- 
teen miniftering  friends  belonged  to  that 
m:eting;  and  now  perliaps,  not  a  much 
greater  number  of  members  of  all  forts, 
belong  to  iti  Once  there  was  a  wonderful 
time  of  gathering  into  the  vineyard  of 
Chrift;  but  fince,  with  forrow  and  lamen- 
tation it  may  be  faid,  there  has  been  a  lofing, 
fcattering,  and  dwindling  away  in  many 
places ;  the  principal  occafion  v/hereof 
feems  to  have  been^  ail  inordinate  love  for 
tranfitory  enjoyments,  lawful  in  themfelves 
and  places,  but  not  to  have  the  chief  polP- 
felTion  of  the  mind.  When  that  becomes 
the  forrowful  ftate  of  any,  they  cannot 
favour  the  things  that  be  of  God,  but  the 
things  which  be  of  men ;  and  are  of  confe-^ 
quence  deprived  of  that  all-iuificient  help, 
fo  to  live  and  walk,  as  to  anfwer  the  wit- 
nefs  of  God  in  others;  to  train  up  their  chil- 
dren in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord ;  and  to  maintain  the  teflimonies  of 
truth  with  a  convincing  ftrength  and  efficacy. 
80  that  although  the  form  is.  retained  in  a 
confiderable  degree  by  fuch,  and  they  m.ay 
alio  be  fortified  with  arguments,  to  main- 
tain the  confiftency  of  our  profeflion  with 
the  prhnitive  plan  laid  down  in  holy  wnt^ 
yet,  ^Yanting  the  fait  of  tlie  kingdom  in 
themfelves,  all  their  prctenfions  without  it 
■will  prove  nothing;  yea,  worfe  than  no- 
thing, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        127 

thing;  feeing,  by  how  much  more  they 
have  had  the  opportunity  of  knowing  more 
than  others,  by  fo  much  their  condemnation 
will  be  greater.  Next  day  we  had  a  (mall 
meeting  at  Hornfey,  and  from  thence  went 
to  Ouflwick,  and  had  a  large  meeting, 
wherein  truth  favoured  in  opening  dodlrine 
largely,  and  to  a  confiderable  degree  of 
fatisfaclion.  The  next  meeting  we  had 
was  at  Hull,  which  was  indeed  a  very  pain- 
ful exercifing  time  of  filence,  in  a  mournful 
fenfe  of  great  declenfion.  We  find  it  re- 
corded in  the  holy  fcriptures,  that  we  muft 
enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven  through  many 
tribulations.  It  is  indeed  a  very  wonderful 
mercy,  that  fuch  unworthy  creatures  as  we 
are  ihould  be  fo  highly  favoured,'  as  to 
be  admitted  thereinto  on  any  terms.  I  have 
confidered,  that  our  afflidions  in  this  day, 
both  in  the  rnanner  and  caufe,  differ  much 
from  the  trials  of  our  worthy  predeceifors. 
Their  bodies  were,  frequently  imprifoned, 
and  grofsb/  abufed  by  people  of  different 
religious  perfaafion^s;  but  our  fpirits,  when 
engaged  in  the  work  of  the  gofpel,  are  often 
imprifoned,  depreffed,  and  greatly  afflidledj 
by  means  of  the  great  unfalthfulnefs  of 
many  under  the  fame  profeihon  with  our- 
felves;  being  at  times,  on  account  of  fuch, 
fo  clofed  up  in  a  painful  fenfe  of  death  and 
darknefs^  as  to  be  fomewhat  like  the  pro- 
phet of  old,  quite  fhut  up  and  dumb  with 
filence.     This  may  he  occafioned  by  fuch, 

wlip 


123        The    JOURNAL    on 

who  are  fo  far  alienated  from  the  fenfible 
reaches  of  that  meafure  of  grace  in  their 
own  minds,  as  not  to  be  opened  thereby  to 
receive    the    word    preached   to    advantage ; 
(for  the  word  goeth  not  forth  in  vain;  but 
will  accomplifh   that  for  which  it  is  fent;) 
antl  it  may  alio  be  neceHary,  on  account  of 
thofe  who  have  often  been  comfortably  re- 
freflied  by  fitting  under  a  living  miniftry, 
yet  negle6ling  their  own  duty  in  a  fpiritual 
labour     for     heavenly     bread,      look     too 
m.uch  for  food  from  the  labour  of  others : 
which   unjuftifiable  depend  an ce  and  expec- 
tation, is  often  difappointed  and  mortilied. 
The  main  de(iga  of   gofpel  miniftry,  is  to 
turn  the  children  of  men  to  the  grace  of 
God  in  themfelves,  which  will  teach  them 
to  work  oat  their  ov/n  falvation,  and  dili- 
gently to  feek  the  Lord  for  themfelves,  in 
whom,  their  ftrength  being  renewed,  their- 
fpirits.  would  unite,    and   greatly  help  and 
relieve  the  minilters  in  their  gofpel-laboars. 
From  Hull  I  went  to  North   Cave,    where 
I  had  an  open  comfortable  meeting.    Thence 
to   Hovvden,    where  the  meeting  was  fmall 
and  things  very  low;  it  was  held  in  iilence. 
I  went  next  to  Selby,    and  attended   their 
meetings  on  firiVday.    I  had  ibme  llrengrh 
and  o-pennefs  for  fervice  in  the  morning;  in 
the  afternoon  I  had  to  lit  in  Iilence ;  I  could 
find  but  very  little  of  the  life  of  religion  there. 
Next  day  I  had  an  open  comfortable  meeting 
at   Rawcliif;    thence  at  Pontefract,    where 
c     '  things 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        129 

things  were  low  and  painful.  Tlie  next  meet- 
ing was  a  fmall  one  at  Wakefield,  wherein  I 
was  quite  clofed  up  in  filence;  the  ftate  of 
tlie  meeting,  as  I  apprehended,  requiring 
it.  I  went  from  thence  to  Leeds,  and 
next  day  to  the  houfe  of  my  eileemed 
friend  William  Hird,  intending  for  Brad- 
ford monthly  meeting,  which  was  held  on 
fixth-day,  wherein  I  had  thorough  fervice, 
and  the  bleiled  truth  had  great  dominion, 
to  the  joy  and  comfort  of  many  hearts,  I 
returned  to  Leeds,  and  attended  their  meet- 
ings on  firft-day.  They  were  low  and 
rather  painful;  my  fervice  therein  was  in 
a  clofe  fearching  way ;  but  thofe  who  are 
at  eafe  in  Zion  like  fmooth  things  beft,  and 
are  almoft  ready  to  fay  now,  as  fome  did 
formerly  to  the  feers,  fee  not,  and  to  the 
prophets,  prophefy  unto  us  fmooth  things. 
I  went  from  Leeds  to  the  quarterly- meet- 
ing at  York,  wherein  I  had  confiderable 
opennefs  in  fervice;  yet  my  fpirit  was  in- 
wardly and  fecretly  pained  moil  of  the 
time;  the  caufe  whereof,  as  I  apprehended, 
was  the  numbnefs  and  earthly-mindednefs 
of  many  members  of  that  very  large  alfem- 
bly;  in  which  there  were,  notwithftand- 
ing,  a  wife  lively  fubftantial  body  of  friends ; 
which,  by  account,  hath  continued  in  a  fuc- 
ceffion  from  the  early  times  of  our  fociety. 
When  this  meeting  was  over,  I  fet  out, 
in  company  with  feveral  friends  in  their 
way  home,    in  order  to  vifit  fome  meetings 

in 


130        TiTE    JOURNAL    OF 

in  the  Dales,  on  my  way  to  Kendal  quar- 
terly-meeting; John  Scott  being  alfo  with 
me.  The  firft  meeting  we  had  was  at  Bane- 
bridge  in  Wenfley  Dale,  which  was  large, 
behig  on  a  firft-day.  It  was  a  very  clofe 
trying  laborious  meeting.  I  had  very  little 
to  fay  by  way  of  miniftry,  but  fuffered  deep- 
ly in  fpirit,  under  a  forrowful  ieiiih  of  car- 
lialily  prevailing.  Next  day  I  had  a  very 
comfortable  reviving  meeting  amongft  a 
few  plain  friends  in  Grifdale.  After  which 
I  went  home  with  that  plain  faithful  minif- 
ter  of  the  gofpel  Alice  Thiftlethwaite,  who 
had  borne  me  company  from  York,  to  her 
houfe  in  Dent  Dale,  where  we  had  a  meet- 
ing nexc  day,  which  I  hope  was  in  a  good 
degree  ferviceable,  although  things  were 
but  low.  After  this  we  went  to  the 
houfe  of  that  worthy  elder  and  minifter  of 
the  gofpel  James  Wilfon,  near  Brigflats, 
where,  next  day,  the  Lord  was  pleaied  to 
favour  us  with  a  powerful  glorious  meet^ 
ing;  fo  that  we  could  thankfully  witnefs 
truth  was  over  all.  Such  thorovigh  open 
meetings,  but  feldom  fall  to  our  lot  in  this 
declined  flate  of  things.  Yet  the  Lord  is 
all-fufficient  for  the  help  and  fupport  of 
his  faithful  fervants,  in  all  times  and  dif- 
penfations  of  his  providence  to  mankind; 
fo  that  we  not  only  can  fay,  fufficient  to 
the  day  is  the  evil  thereof;  but  alfo,  fuf- 
j&cient  to  the  day  is  the  ftrength  and  wif- 
dom    afforded    for    our    affiftance    in    the 

Lord's 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        131 

Lord's  work.  Next  day  I  went  to  Ken- 
dal, being  accompanied  by  the  before- 
mentioned  worthy  friend,  who  entertained 
me  on  the  road  with  divers  very  pleafing 
accounts  concerning  the  fpreading  of  truth 
in  thoie  parts,  and  the  wonderful  convince- 
ments  thereabouts,  by  that  memorable  fer- 
vant  of  the  Lord  George  Fox,  which  the 
faid  friend  had  heard  related  by  eye-wit- 
nefles,  who  were  themfelves  convinced  at 
that  time;  this  made  the  journey  exceed- 
ing pleafant  to  me,  nothing  difagreeable 
therein,  but  its  being  too  foon  over,  as  that 
put  an  end  to  this  delightful  converfation. 

There  appeared  to  me  a  valuable  body  of 
friends  in  and  about  Kendal  yet  left,  al- 
though divers  in  that  town  had  been  remo- 
ved by  death  but  a  little  time  before;  the 
lofs  of  whom  was  much  lamented  by  the 
furvivors,  as  they  had  been  ufeful  mem- 
bers in  their  day.  It  alfo  appeared  that 
good  order  was  well  maintained,  and  that 
excellent  difcipline  eftabliilied  amongft  us 
in  the  wifdom  of  truth,  feemed  to  be  as 
duly  put  in  pra6tice,  as  in  moil  places 
I  have  obferved  amongft  friends ;  yet  my 
way  was  much  clofed  up  in  fufFering,  du- 
ring the  quarterly-meeting:  I  ftaid  their 
meetings  on  firft-day,  and  was  largely  open- 
ed in  the  morning,  truth  having  great  do- 
minion ;  but  in  the  afternoon  was  Ihut  up 
in  filence.  On  third-day,  being  Winder- 
mere general  meeting,  I  wcAt  to  it;  truth 
i  S  greatlj'- 


1^2        The    JOURNAL    of 

greatly  overfliadowed  that  large   aflembly^ 
and  the  teftimony  thereof  was  much  exalted, 
to  the  edification  and  fweet  refrefhment  of 
the   upright   in   heart,    as   well   as   deeply 
affedling  the  minds  of  many,  I  hope  to  their 
kiting  advantage,    who   had.  taken    more 
liberty  than  truth  allows  of.    Next  day  I  had 
a  fmall  meeting  at  Grayrig,    v/here  things 
were  low.     At  Preilon  the  Lord  was  plealed 
to   favour   us    with    an    open    comfortable 
meeting,  and  truth's  tefthnony  was  exalted. 
After  which  I  went  to  Kendal,    and  had  a 
very  comfortable  meeting    amongft  friends 
there.     From  thence  1  went  to  Swarthmoor, 
and  was  at  their  meeting  on  a  firft-day,  in 
a   meeting-houfe   built   near   the   hall,    by 
George    Fox ;    I    could    not    difcover   much, 
lively  fenfe  of  true  religion  there,  it  being 
a  time  of  painful  fuffering  filence.     From 
thence  to  the  Flight  meeting,    which   was 
to  pretty  good  fatisfacflion ;    and  thence  to 
Hawkfliead;  the  meeting  there  was  low  and 
afflicting.     My  principal  fervice  was  to  give 
an  example  of   filence,    which   frequently 
fell  to   my    lot;    the  Lord  favouring  with 
refignation  to  his  divine  will.     Next  day  I 
had   a.  fmall   open  fatisfadlory  meeting  at 
Kefwick;  and  went  to  Ifel  meeting;  but  had 
nothing   to   deliver  by  way  of   teftimony, 
being    wholly    fhut    up.      From  thence  to 
Pardlhaw,    which,    I   think,    is   the   largeft 
country   meeting  in  England,    and  friends 
there  generally  made  a  plain  becoming  ap» 

pearance. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        13^ 

pearance,  much  refembling  many  meetings 
in  Pennfylvania,  both  for  largenefs  and  other- 
wife;  the  view  whereof  give  me  lingular 
pleafure,  and  abundantly  the  more,  a:&  the 
great  mailer  of  our  affemhlies  was  gracioudy 
pleafed  to  honour  and  comfort  us  with  his 
living  prefence,  in  which  there  is  fulnefs  of 
joy :  matter  and  utterance  was  given  by  him 
to  a  difcharge  of  duty,  m  which  there  was 
peace.  I  had  an  open  fatisfac^ory  meeting 
in  the  evening,  at  my  friend  and  old  com- 
panion Chriftopher  Wilfon's.  Next  day  I 
had  a  meeting  at  Whitehaven.  Thence  to 
Broughton,  where  I  had  a  meeting.  I  en- 
deavoured to  lean  upon  the  Lord  alone,  for 
guidance  in  my  fervice,  and  by  him  was 
frequently  much  opened,  in  the  ftates  of 
meetings  and  individuals  prefent.  The  next 
meeting  was  at  Gockermouth,  which  was  to 
a  good  degree  of  fatisfadlion.  Thence  to 
Allonby,  where  truth  favoured  with  a  good 
degree  of  opennefs  and  peace.  From  thence 
I  went  to  Holme,  a  meeting  remarkable  for 
having  been,  I  fuppofe,  more  than  fixty 
years  interrupted,  and  grievouily  diilurbed 
by  a  wicked  unruly  company  of  ranters* 
It  began  in  fome  of  the  Pearfons,  and  when 
they  were  removed,  others  fucceeded  in 
the  fame  fpirit.  Some  of  them  were  at  the 
meeting  when  I  was  there.  A  woman  of 
the  party  fpoke  feveral  times  in  fuch  ran- 
cour, that  I  do  not  remember  ever  to  have 
taken  notice  of  a  voice  fo  much  tindlured 

with 


134        The    JOURNAL    of 

•with  a  dark  diabolical  fpirit ;  but  friends, 
in  the  blelFed  enjoyment  of  the  powerful 
truth,  were  quite  over  it  and  them,  and  I 
believe,  had  therein  been  in  a  good  degree 
preserved ;  as  that  meeting  appeared  to  me 
the  livelieft  of  any  thereabouts,  having,  as 
I  remember,  five  or  fix  public  friends 
belonging  thereunto.  The  next  meeting  I 
had  w^as  a  fmall  one  at  Bolton ;  truth  fa- 
voured with  a  comfortable  degree  of  open- 
nefs  therein.  Thence  I  went  to  Wigton, 
a. id  attended  both  their  meetings  on  firft- 
day;  it  was  an  exceeding  painful  exertifing 
time*  My  mouth  was,  as  it  were,  clofed 
up  in  mournful  filence,  yet  not  without 
a  pretty  clear  view  and  fenfe  of  the  forrow- 
ful  ftates  of  thofe  amongfl  them  who  had 
been  the  principal  caufe  of  the  death  and 
mifery  which  I  felt;  I  faw  what  they  were 
doing  in  the  dark,  as  it  were,  through  the 
hole  in  the  wall.  O !  wdiat  a  great  fnare 
bright  genius,  and  extenfive  natural  abilities, 
are  to  fome,  when  they  are  deluded  by  Satan 
to  truft  in  them,  and  prefuinptuoufly  to 
imagine,  they  are  fufficient  to  anfwer  every 
purpofe  for  guidance  and  help  not  only  in 
temporal  but  fpiritual  things,  without  fuper- 
natural  and  divine  aid  immediately  commu- 
nicated. I  have  met  with  no  ftate  more  at 
enmity,  nor  in  greater  oppofition  to  the  truth ; 
nor  from  whofe  fpirits  more  pain  and  difbefs 
is  to  be  met  with,  than  from  thefe  worldly  wife 
and  felf-fufficient  people,    who,   no  doubt, 

would 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        135 

Would  deride  this  obfervation,  or  any  thing 
elfe  that  afferts  an  inward  fenfe  of  things. 
They  are  very  much  out  of  the  way  of  being 
reached  unto  and   helped;     therefore   they 
are  in   great  danger  of  being    left   alone, 
that  they  may  wonder  and  perifli,     I  fin- 
cerely  wifli,    that  the  tender-hearted,  both 
youth  and  others,   may  be  preferred  from 
the  infedlion  of  that  poifon  of  afps  which 
is  under  their  tongues*     Next  day  I  had  a 
poor   fmall   meeting  at  Kirkbright,    where 
my   bufinefs   was    to   example   them    with 
filence.     From  thence  to  Moor-houfe,  where 
I  had  fome  opennefs  and  fatisfadlion,  though 
things  were  but  low  as  to  religion  in  that 
meeting.      The  next   meeting  was    in   the 
city  of  Carlifle ;    my  way  was  clofed  up  in 
painful  filence*     I  had  a  fmall  open  meet- 
ing next  day  at  Scotby;    then  went  to  a 
meeting  at  Sowport,    where  there  were  but 
few  friends,  and  things  very  low  amongft 
them,    as  to  the  life    and    fenfible  under- 
ftanding  of  religion ;  but  there  came  in  many^ 
of  the  neighbours,  towards  whom  I  found 
great  opennefs  to  declare  the  truth,  and  it 
was     a    good    meeting.       I    went   next   to 
Kirklington,    or  the  border  meeting,  being 
on   a   firft-day.       Friends   having    without 
my  knowledge,  given  notice  to  their  neigh- 
bours, and  to  divers  people  of  account  in 
the  world;  it  is.  likely  they  expeded  great 
things  from  one  come  fo  far  to  vifit  them ; 
and  fome  perhaps  hoped  to  get  credit  by 

that 


136        The    JOURNAL    of 

that  day's  work ;  but  we  fee  fomctimes,  whea. 
man  appoints,  the  Lord  difappoints;  which 
in  the  iffue,  feems  to  have  been  the  cafe 
here;  as  I  fat  the  meeting,  (which  was 
very  large)  throughout  in  (ilence,  to  the 
great  mortification  of  many  prefent,  fbme 
of  whom,  one  might  have  expelled  from 
their  appearance  and  pretenfions,  to  have 
better  underftood  the  nature  of  fpiritual 
worlhip,  than  to  have  been  fo  anxious  after 
words  or  outward  declarations ;  it  proved, 
I  think,  as  painful  and  exercifing  a  meet- 
ing as  ever  I  knew,  to  which  the  expec- 
tations of  friends  and  others  did  not  a  little 
contribute.  At  the  conclulion,  I  was  fully 
fatisfied  I  had  difcharged  the  fervice  requir- 
ed of  me  that  day,  in  an  example  of  filence, 
in  which  I  had  peace.  I  could  perceive 
great  uneafinefs  in  many  under  our  name, 
at  the  filence  of  the  meeting.  It  evidently 
difcovers  a  mournful  degeneracy,  feeing 
filent  worlliip  is  fo  dire6lly  confiftent  with 
our  Chriftian  profeilion  of  the  inward 
teachings  of  the  grace  of  God  that  brings 
faivation,  which  hath  appeared  to  all  men, 
jind  teaches  all  thofe  who  diligently  hearken 
thereunto,  that  no  time  is  more  fuitable  than 
when  affembled  together,  unitedly  to  wait  for 
this  bleffed  teaching,  and  thereby,  a  renewal 
of  our  ftrength.  How  abfurd  then  is  it,  for 
thofe  who  profefs  this  teaching  and  accefs 
to  the  fountain  of  all  good,  to  depart  there- 
from and  gaze  at  the  clouds,  or  depend  on 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        ^37 

the  conduits  and  watcr-fpouts,  as  if  it  was 
in  their  power  to  fill  themfelves,  and  fo  to 
fupply  all  their  wants?  for  althongh  they 
have  at  times,  by  the  Lord  of  all,  been 
ufed  as  a  means  for  our  help  and  edification, 
yet  fuch  means  or  helps  are  not  fo  effen- 
tially  neceflary  to  the  fpi ritual  worfliip  pro- 
feffed  by  us  as  a  people,  but  that  it  may 
be  as  effectually,  and  confequently  as  ac- 
ceptably performed  without  them,  in  afi 
awful  folemn  filence:  than  which  nothing 
can  be  more  reaching  and  convincing  to 
thofe  in  whom  the  divme  witnefs  is  re* 
garded,  and  which  may  alio  tend  greatly  to 
raifethat  in  the  minds  of  fuch  where  it  is 
depreffed.  Some  have  remarked,  that  thofe 
who  have  been  convinced  in  the  filence  o£ 
our  meetings,  have  generally  flood  their 
ground  in  religion  beft.  The  reafon  is 
plain,  becaufe  they  have  at  the  very  firft  laid 
hold  of  and  embraced  the  very  fubftance  o£ 
religion;  whereas,  the  underftanding  may 
be,  in  a  great  meafure  convinced  by  tefti- 
mony,  and  the  mind  much  tendered  and 
affedled  with  lively  declarations  of  the  truth ; 
but  all  this  goes  off  fooner,  and  will  leave  fuch 
minds  deflitute,  unlefs  they  happily  come  to 
be  fixed  under  the  teachings  of  the  grace  of 
God  in  themfelves,  and  have  to  fit  under 
their  own  vine,  and  under  their  own  fig- 
tree,  where  none  can  xnake  them  afraid. 
None  need  be  afhamed  of  a  folemn  awful 
filence  before  God,  and  in  the  fight  of  men ; 

feekin^ 


138        Tht:    journal    of 

feeking  the  Lord,    v/ho   will  be   found   of 
all  fuch,    and  will,    by  his  fecret  invifible 
power,  vindicate  that  ibrt  of  filence  in  the 
hearts  of  all  who  fufFer  his-  pure  witnefs  to 
arife.      All    who    reje6l   the   voice   of   this 
holy  witnefs,    may  juftly  be  difregarded  by 
God's  people,    fo  as  not  to  be  difcouraged 
by  what  they  fay  on  that  account.     But  on 
the  other  hand,    when  any  thing  of  this 
nature  is  done  in  the  form  and  by  way  of 
imitation  only,  there  being  nothing  fuper- 
natural  to  fupport  and  defend  the  fame,  it 
muft  neccffarily  fall   under  contempt,  and 
like  the  fait  that  hath  loft  its  favour^  will 
be  trodden  under  the  feet  of  men.     That 
fcripture  pafTage  is  very  obfervable,  where 
ibme  undertook  to   caft  out  devils  in  the 
name  of  Jefus,  whom  Paul  preached.     It  is 
plain  the  evil  fpirits  knew,  notwithftanding 
their  pretences,  that  they  wanted  power  to 
fubjedl  them ;  and  therefore  anfwered  thefe 
imitators   and  pretenders,  *'  Jefus  I  know, 
"  and  Paul  I  know,  but  who  are  ye  ?  and 
"  the   man  in   whom    the  evil  fpirit  was, 
*'  leaped  upon  them,  and  prevailed  againft 
**  them,  fo  that  they  fled  out  of  the  houfe 
"  naked   and   wounded."      I    inftance  this 
paffage     to  ihew    how  inefEcacious   imita- 
tion is :  they  would  do  well  to  confider  this, 
who,  upon  a  ferious  examination,    do  not 
find  the  Lord  with  them  in  their  religious 
performances ;     for   affuredly   nothing   can 
ft  and  approved  in  his  fight,  nor  maintain 

a  dig- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        139 

a  dignity  worthy  of  him,    111  this  ftate  of 
probation,  but  the  real  produdl  of  his  own 
fpirit  in  us;    therefore,  let  all  who  profefs 
fpiritual  worlliip,  greatly  dread  being  found 
in  fenfelefs  flupid  filence,  although  it  be  in 
the  very  fame  form  the  people  of  God  have 
been,  and  are  flill  led  into;  knov/ing,  that 
the  beft  and  mod  confiftent  form  is    alto- 
gether contemptible    without  the  heavenly 
power.     I  felt  and  perceived  divers  of  them 
were  much  offended  with  me,  for  abiding 
in  that  ftation  the  Lord  placed  me  in  that 
day,  which  they  did  not  altogether  forbear 
letting  me  know  by  words;    neither  did  I 
let  them  pafs  without  fome  clofe  remarks  oa 
their  forrow^ful  ftate    and   great   blindnefs. 
In  about  a  week  after,    I  received  a  long 
letter  upon  the  fubjedt,    from  one,  fetting 
forth    amongft  other  things,     how  great  a 
myftery  it  was  to  him,  that  a  perfon  in  my 
ftation,  travelling  from  one  nation  to  ano- 
ther, fhould  difappoint  people,    friends  and 
others,  by  fuch  unaccountable  filence ;  had 
not  I  difcovered  fufBcient  caufe  to   believe 
this  friend  was  not  then  what  he  had  been, 
his  letter  would  have  been  as. great  a  myftery 
to    me  as  my  filence  in  that  meeting  was  to 
him.     When  I  had  perufed  the  faid  letter, 
I  was  moft  eafy  to  let  it  pafs  as  not  worth 
anfwering.     This  was  a  time  of  very  great 
anxiety  to  my  mind,  and  I  have  made  the  a- 
hove  remarks  thereon,  as  I  felt  my  mind  open- 
ed thereunto;   forpo  other  realbn,  than  as  a 

T  eautioa 


140       The    JOURNAL    of 

cantlon  or  warning  to  all  profefTors  of  the 
blelled  truth  into  whofe  hands  this  may- 
come,  that  they  may  watch  and  pray  con- 
tinually ;  left,  by  departing  from  the  pure 
leadings  of  truth  in  themfelves,  they  fall 
into  the  like  abfurdities ;  manifefting  to 
others,  that  they  are  but  mere  pretenders 
to  fpiriuial  worihip ;  and  alfo  for  encou- 
ragement to  painful  travellers  in  the  work 
of  the  gofpel,  whofe  lot,  in  the  courfe  of 
their  fervice,  may  fall  amongft  fuch,  to 
•whom  they  may  be  as  figns  and  gazing- 
ftocks,  bectiufe  their  time  is  not  always 
ready.  What  makes  fuch  examples  more 
necefTary  in  fome  places,  is  the  bufy  for- 
wardnefs  of  unfl^ilful  miniflers  amongft 
themfelves,  who  may  be  too  apt  to  feed 
the  people  with  a  multitude  of  words;  per- 
haps frequently  recommending  filence  in 
words,  but  not  fufficiently  by  example. 
I  have  feen  it  much  my  place,  efpecially 
at  home,  to  fhew  friends  by  my  example, 
the  benefit  and  neceftity  of  ifilence,  and,  as 
it  were,  to  lead  them  into  it.  And. as  may 
be  feen  by  this  account,  I  many  times 
found  it  my  duty  to  fit  meetings  appointed 
for  me  in  filence;  (being  at  times  greatly  dif- 
trelled  in  a  ienie  of  the  ftates  of  the  people,) 
like  a  fign  unto  them,  of  what  they  ought 
to  be  more  in  the  pra(5lice  of.  This  indeed 
was  no  eafy  talk  to  flefti,  as  the  expeclation  of 
people  was  greatly  towards  me,  being  come 
from  far  to  vifit  them;.v  jct   there  was  no 

remedy 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        141 

remedy  but  patience  and  refignation  to 
the  divine,  will,  without  whole  affiilance, 
I  knew  it  was  in  vain  to  attempt  any- 
thing by  w^ay  of  miniftry.  My  way  of 
travelling  as  above  hinted,  often  filent, 
was  looked  upon  tlien  by  many,  as  a 
ftrange  and  unufual  thing;  but  fome 
others  hav^e  been  led  pretty  much  in  the 
fame  track;  however,  I  had  moftly  great 
peace,  and  inward  llrength  to  ftand  my 
ground  therein,  as  all  will  w4io  follow  the 
Lord  whitherfoever  he  fhall  be  pleafed  to 
lead  them. 

I  had  a  meeting  on  third- day  at  the  houfe 
of  Cuthbert  Wigham  in  Northumber- 
land, w^hich  was  a  fweet  refrefliing  time, 
and  tended  much  to  fire ng then  and  revive 
my  drooping  fpirit.  Next  day  I  had  a 
pretty  open  ferviceable  meeting  at  Allondale. 
From  thence  to  Alftonmoor,  where  the 
Lord  was  pleafed  to  favour  me  with  a  tho- 
rough roufing  opportunity,  and  God's 
everlafting  truth  was  exalted.  The  next 
meeting  I  had  v/as  at  Penrith,  where  things 
appeared  to  me  but  low.  i  went  from  thence 
to  Coldbeck,  and  was  at  their  meeting  on 
firft-day.  It  was  a  very  hard  diftreffing 
time.  There  I  felt,  as  I  thought,  fome 
of  thofe  hard  dark  fpirits,  which  had  occar- 
fioned  great  anxiety  at  fundry  places  in  that 
county;  who  might,  as  I  apprehended,,  be 
compared  to  the  bulls  of  Balhan  that  com- 
paffed  David  about. '  It  is  likely  they  would 

fcofF 


142        The    JOURNAL    of 

fcofF  at  the  exprcflion  of  their  fpirlts  being 
felt,  bvit  the  time  will  foon  overtake   them 
wherein  their  fpirits  will^feel,  though  now 
perhaps     in  a  great  meafure    paft   feeling. 
Next  day  I  had  a  fmall    but   pretty    open 
meeting    at     MafTdale.      From    thence    to 
Terril,  where  I  had  a  good  open  fatisfadory 
meeting,    truth  being  exalted    and    friends 
comforted.     The  next  meeting  was  Strick- 
land,   which   was  but  fmall    yet     to  good 
fatisfadlion.      I  went  from  thence  to  Ken- 
dal, and  attended  their  meetings  on  fixth- 
day,    firft-day,    and   third-day.       Moft   of 
them   were   to   me   trying  laborious  meet- 
ings.    I  was  not  much  opened  as  to  mini-, 
flry.      Friends   in   many    places    had   need 
to  be  brought  from  words,  to  the  one  eter- 
nal  infpcaking    word.      On   fourth-day    at 
Yealand  in  Lancafliire,    I  had  a  clofe  fearch- 
ing  meeting.     The  next  day  I  was  favoured 
with    an   open    comfortable    time  at  Wray 
meeting.     From  thence  I  went  to  Bentham, 
where  truth  affifted  to  difcharge  what  I  had 
before  me,    to   a  good  degree  of  fatisfac- 
tion.      From    thehce    to   Settle,     where   on 
firft-day  we  were  favoured  with  a  precious 
open   meeting.       The    teftimony    of    truth 
went  forth  freely    and  affedingly,     to  the 
tendering  many  hearts :  Praifes  and  thankf- 
giving  to  the  Lord  for  the  fame.     Next  day 
1  had   a  fmall  but  a  very  open  meeting  at 
]VIonybent.     From  thence  to  Soly  meeting, 
which  appeared  to  me  in  a  very  weak,  low 

condition^ 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        143 

condition,  as  little  of  the  life  of  religion  was 
to  be  found  therein.  After  meeting  I  went 
%o  the  houfe  of  my  kind  friends  Jonathan 
and  Margaret  Raine;  and  from  thence  to 
Marfden  Height  meeting,  in  which  the 
Lord's  power  was  livingly  felt,  whereby 
the  teftimony  of  truth  was  delivered  with 
clearnefs  and  good  demonllration.  Next  day 
had  a  meeting  at  Trawden.  On  firft-day 
I  went  again  to  Marfden  meeting,  which 
was  a  thorovigh  good  opportunity,  and  we 
were  fweetly  comforted  together. 

Being  now  pretty  much  fatigued  with 
eonftant  travelling  and  clofe  labour,  I  relied 
at  Jonathan  Raine's  about  a  week,  and 
then  went  to  a  large  meeting  of  friends  in 
Latherfdale,  where  I  was  much  favoured, 
and  largely  opened  to  deliver  the  dodlrines 
of  truth,  with  good  demonftration,  and  to 
my  own  peace.  The  next  day  I  had  a  com- 
fortable open  meeting  at  Airton;  my  friend. 
Jonathan  Raine  bearing  me  company.  From 
thence  to  Skipton,  and  had  a  meeting; 
things  were  but  low.  I  had  that  evening 
a  good  open  opportunity  amongft  our  wor- 
thy friend  David  Hall's  fcholars.  Thence 
I  went  and  had  a  meeting  at  Fairfield,  which 
was  fmall,  but  pretty  open  and  I  hope  fer- 
viceabie.  The  next  meeting  was  at  Ne- 
theridale,  where  I  had  very  laborious  fearch- 
ing  work ;  the  tefthnony  was  clofe  and 
iharp  againft  formal  profeflbrs,  yet,  through 
divine  favour^  I  was  enabled  to  get  through 

to 


144        The    JOURNAL    of 

to  very  good  fatisfacllon,  and  the  meeting 
ended  comfortably.  I  went  from  thence  to 
Afquith,  where  was  a  Imall  open  meeting. 
The  next  meeting  was  at  Rodan,  and  being 
on  a  firft-day,  it  was  very  large:  a  plain 
folid  body  of  friends  belonged  thereunto. 
We  v/ere  favoured  w^ith  an  open  meeting, 
the  teftimony  of  truth  being  exalted.  Next 
day  I  had  a  very  comfortable  open  meeting 
ajt  Bradford,  and  went  to  Keighley,  which 
was  alfo  an  open  fatisfadlory  meeting.  There 
I  received  from  my  worthy  friend  David 
Hall,  by  the  hands  of  his  wife,  a  truly  fub- 
ftantial  and  encouraging  letter:  as  it  con- 
tains matter  of  weighty  inftruclion,  I  wil- 
lingly give  it  a  place  here,  not  doubting 
but  it  will  be  very  agreeable  to  fome  read- 
ers, and  think  it  cannot  hurt  any. 


Efteemed  and  well-beloved  Friend, 

IN  the  fweet  fpirit,  and  fellowfhip  of  the 
everlafting  and  glorious  gofpel  of  peace, 
I  hereby  kindly  falute  thee,  and  thy  dear 
companion  and  fellow- labourer  in  the  ac- 
ceptable work  thou  art  now  engaged  in ; 
not  forgetting  his  worthy  confort  Margaret, 
when  thou  feeft  her.  Be  not  at  all  difcou- 
raged  on  any  account,  for  I  truft,  thy  good 
Lord  and  mafter  whom  thou  ferves,  who 
made  thee  willing  to  leave  thy  outward  habi- 
tation and  little  ones,  and  to  traverfe  the 

rugged 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        145 

rugged  ocean  with  thy  life  in  thy  hand,  as 
an  ambafTador  in  Chrift's  ftead,  to  preach 
glad  tidings  of  good  things  to  the  meek ;  to 
call  upon  and  roufe  the  indolent  and  care- 
lefs;  to  diredl  the  ftraying  Iheep  unto  the 
fold  of  reft;  to  raife  the  drooping  ones 
that  are  now  too  low,  and  endeavour  to 
bring  down  the  lofty  that  are  too  high, 
to  the  true  centre,  even  the  midft  of  the 
path  of  judgment :  in  fhort,  to  bring  unto 
us  the  pledges  of  thy  matter's  love  and 
thine,  and  to  receive  ours;  who,  after  he 
had  in  his  wifdom  and  counfel,  fuffered 
thee  to  be  taken  captive  for  the  trial  of 
thy  faith,  in  mercy  ranfomed  thee  as  an 
evidence  of  his  power,  will  never  leave  thee 
nor  forfake  thee.  I  have  unity  with  thy 
fpirit,  gift,  and  with  the  manner  of  the 
adminiftration  thereof.  I  intreat  thee,  dear 
brother,  keep  to  thy  fteady  bottom  way. 
The  prefent  ftate  of  the  church  loudly  calls 
upon  us,  for  the  entire  refignation,  faith, 
hope,  charity,  and  patience  of  the  minifters 
of  the  gofpel. 

The  diverfities  of  gifts,  operations,  and 
adminiftrations,  from  the  one  fpirit,  are 
beautiful  and  ferviceable:  as  the  ftars  in 
the  firmament  are  not  all  of  one  magnitude, 
have  not  all  one  ftation  nor  degree  of  luf- 
tre,  but  are  each  ornamental  and  fervice- 
able in  their  refpedive  places  and  feafons. 
The  Lord  blefs  thee,  be  thy  fiiield  and  ex- 
ceeding great  reward  in  time  here,  and  in 

eternicv 


146       The    JOURNAL    of 

eternity  hereafter.  Now  as  the  apoflle,  in 
a  paternal  way,  adviieJ  his  fon  Timothy,  to 
drink  no  longer  w^ater,  but  ufe  a  little  wine 
for  his  llomach's  fake  and  his  often  infir- 
mities: I  defirc,  as  thou  ferveft  not  an 
auilere  man  or  hard  mailer,  but  the  mofl: 
merciful  and  bountiful  King  of  Kings  and 
Lord  of  Lords,  thou  wilt  take  due  care  of 
'thyfelf,  and  rightly  confider  thy  conftitu- 
tion.  Do  not  drive  on  too  fall  in  this 
cold  climate  and  leafon  of  the  year;  con- 
fider, nets  are  not  always  to  be  fpread  and 
caft  into  the  fea,  l^ut  fometimes  to  be 
mended  and  repaired.  Thou  finds  the  good 
feed  lies  low  in  many  bofoms,  and  many 
meetings ;  experience  teaches  thee,  that 
where  and  when  our  mafter  fuffers ;  who 
faid,  where  I  am,  there  fliall  my  fervant 
be ;  we  ought  to  be  content  to  fuflfer  with 
him;  that  when  he  reigns,  we  may  alfo 
reign  with  him :  fliall  the  fervant  think  to 
xeign,  when  and  where  his  Lord  and  mafter 
fuffereth  ?  There  are,  my  dear  friend,  thou 
knoweft,  times  of  fitting  at  the  king's- 
gate;  a  fafe,  honourable,  and  profitable 
fituation,  previous  to  advancement:  they 
that  are  faithful  in  this  low,  fafe  fitting,  in 
due  time  receive  a  call  from  the  king  to 
put  on  his  royal  robes,  mount  his  horfe 
and  ride  around,  which  is  a  high  dignity, 
and  a  high  day;  yet  thofe  fo  favoured,  miift 
not  expcdt  always  to  fit  in  that  faddle,  nor 
always  to  be  cloathed  with  that  royal  ap- 
parel, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        147 

parel,  but  as  certainly  difmount,  as  ever 
they  mounted;  and  niuft  by  no  means  for- 
get the  road  to  the  honourable  king's- gate, 
and  their  honourable  feat  there.  ^Ve  ihould 
be  glad  to  fee  thee  here  once  more.  Pray 
write  to  us.  My  wife  joins  with  me  iii 
dear  love  to  thee,  and  thofe  above-men- 
tioned. 

I  am  thy  truly  afFedliortate  friend, 

skipton,  tf.e T9th of?  David  Hall, 

joth  month,  1748.  > 

After  this  meeting,  I  went  home  with 
my  companion  Jonathan  Raine,  to  Traw- 
den.  From  thence  I  went  next  day  to 
Todmorden,  and  had  a  laborious  exercife* 
ing  meeting  there;  yet  through  the  ex- 
tending of  heavenly  help,  I  was  enabled  to 
difcharge  the  fervice  required,  to  mine  own 
eafe  and  comfort  in  a  good  degree.  I  had 
a  fmall  poor  meeting  at  Oldham  next  day ; 
filent  labour  feemed  to  be  my  proper  bu- 
finefs  therein.  On  firft-day,  the  25th  of 
joth  month,  I  went  to  Crolhawbooth  in 
Roflendale,  which  was  a  pretty  large  meet- 
ing ;  but  I  was  in  fo  weak  a  ftate  of  body, 
being  much  fpent  with  travelling  and  deep 
clofe  labour,  having  for  fome  time  but  a  very 
poor  appetite,  that  my  fpirits  were  greatly 
exhaufled;  fo  that  finding  my  mind  engaged 
in  that  meeting,  I  flood  up  in  order  to  de-^ 
Jiver  what  fecm^d  to  be  required,  but  was 

U  pbJige4 


14a        The    JOURNAL    of 

obliged  foon  to  fit  down^  dLg^iUy  being  fo 
very  weak  and  i'pent  I' could  not  raife  mjr 
voice,  fo  as  to  be  heard.  I  then  conciuded 
it  was  time  to  take  fi  me  reft,  in  order  to 
irecoyer  ftrengrh  as  forin>.rly.  if  it  v/as  the 
Lord's  will,  which  I  did  not  then  miiCih 
cxpecl,  thinking  myfelf  far  gone;  nor 
indeed  did  i  delire  it;  for  my  afflicflions, 
feveral  ways,  about  that  time  were  very 
heavy,  which  made  m.e  weary  of  this 
world,  and  had  ic  been  the  Lord's  will, 
fhould  have  been  glad  to  have  embraced 
death  rather  than  hfe ;  yet  1  endeavoured 
to  be  reiigned  to  the  divine  will.  Great 
care  was  taken  of  me  with  affedlionate 
kindnefs,  by  my  worthy  friends  Jonathan 
Raine,  his  wife,  and  her  lifter  Ann  who 
then  lived  with  them;  having  often  the 
company  of  that  valuable  family",  the  Ec- 
royds  of  Edgend:  I  was  brought  very  near 
thefe  two  families  in  that  love  that  think- 
eth  no  evil;  being  by  illnefs,  or  rather 
weaknefs,  detained  there  about  nine  or  ten 
weeks.  It  was  an  exceeding  wet  feafon ; 
being  alfo  the  dead  of  winter,  yet  I  got 
moftly  out  to  their  meeting,  which  was 
near;  and  went  divers  times,  to  Marfden- 
Height  meeting,  about  four  miles  off;  and 
once  to  Skipton,  and  Lotherdale,  about 
eight  or  ten  miles  off:  in  moft  of  which 
meetings  the  Lord  was  with  me  to  ixiy 
great  comfort,  enlarging  my  hear,t  in  fer- 
vice  for  him  and  his  people^  to  ixay.fatis- 

faftion 


JO  H  N    G  R  ITT  r  T  H.        14^ 

tacflion  and  encouragement.  As  foon  as  I 
was  pretty  well  recovered  and  the  v/eather 
more  fit  to  travel  in,  I  iet  out  tor  Lau- 
carter;  my  kind  friend  Jonathan  Raine 
bearing  me  company ;  and  attended  both 
their  meetings  on  firft-day;  being  painful 
and  laborious,  I  had  nothing  given  rne  lo 
deliver  by  way  of  public  teilunony;  divei^ 
friends  there  appeared  to  me  rhen,  and  more 
fince,  lively  and  fenfible  of  the  work  ot  true 
religion;  yet  I  apprehend,  the  expedatious 
of  too  many  were  out  after  words  chat  day, 
which  was  to  be  difappointed.  O  that  all 
were  really  turned  to  the  more  fure  word, 
that  they  might  never  be  difappointed !  I 
was  next  day  at  their  monthly-meeting  of 
bufinefs,  which  was  low,  truth  not  having 
much  dominion  therein.  I  went  to  Wyerf- 
'dale,  and  had  a  pretty  open  meeting;  re- 
turned to  Lancafter,  where  next  day,  we 
were  through  divine  goodnefs,  fiivoured 
with  a  heavenly  baptising  meeting,  to  oilr 
great  joy  in  reverent  thankfulnefs ;  friends 
being  fweetly  vmited  in  the  precious  enjoy- 
ment of  the  pure  love  and  goodnefs  df 
God;  having  an  additional  confirmation, 
that  when  the  Lord  is  pteafed  to  fliut, 
none  can  open,  and  when  he  is  pleafed  to 
open,  none  can  fliut.  As  there  had  been 
very  little  opennefs  at  divers  meetings  there 
before,  and  at  this  the  Lord  o{)ened  places 
of  broad  rivers  and  rtreams,  to  the  unfpeak-  ^ 
able  pleafure    and    refrelhment    of   thirrty 

Ibuis ; 


I50        Th£    journal    of- 

fouls;  in  a  fenfe  thereof  I  took  my  leave 
of  friends,  being  accompanied  by  my  efteem- 
ed  friends  William  Backhoufe  and  Jona- 
than Raine.  We  had  a  pretty  open  com- 
fortable meeting  at  the  Fylde.  Next  day 
had  a  thorough  awakening  opportunity  at. 
Freckleton,  being  enabled  to  divide  the 
word  v^ith  great  plainnefs  to  their  ftates ; 
•wherein  I  had  eafe  and  peace.  We  then 
went  to  Prefton,  where  the  number  of 
friends  was  exceeding  fmall,  and  but  little 
to  be  felt  of  a  fpiritual  travail  or  lively  fenfe 
of  religion  amongft  thofe  few,  there  hav- 
ing been  a  mournful  declenfion ;  yet  I  found 
the.  Lord's  merciful  loving-kindnefs  gra- 
ciouily  extended  towards  them  for  their 
help  and  recovery.  From  Prefton  I  went 
to  the  following  meetings,  viz.  Cappul, 
AfhtoUj  BickerftafF,  and  Leverpool:  in  all 
which,  the  Lord  was  gracioufly  pleafed  to 
afford  wifdom  and  ftrength,  to  open  doc- 
trine and  counfel  for  the  ftimng  up  care- 
lefs  lukewarm  profeffors,  as  well  as  to 
the  encouragement  and  edification  of  the 
fincere-hearted,  alfo  to  mine  own  eafe  and 
peace  in  a  good  degree.  I  went  from  Lever- 
pool  to  the  houfe  of  Gilbert  Thompfon, 
and  was  at  Penketh  meeting  on  firft-day; 
where  my  fpirit  was  deeply  afHi(5ted,  under 
a  fenfe  of  too  many  profelTors  fitting  down 
at  eafe,  ieeking  to  be  fed  with  words  and 
outward  declarations  concerning  the  things 
pf    God,      I   have    found   this   much,    the 

cafe 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        i^t 

cafe  at  fome  places  where  eminent  in- 
ftruments  have  dwelt.  Friends  have  fuf- 
fered  their  minds  to  be  too  much  drawn 
from  a  diligent  fpiritual  labour,  to  receive 
the  bread  and  water  of  life  immediately 
from  the  fountain  thereof;  and  depended 
upon  the  labour  of  fuch  inllruments  who 
are  but  as  clouds  or  water- fpouts ;  having 
no  power  to  fill  themfelves  nor  to  feed  thel 
flock  profitably,  until ,  furniilied  for  that 
purpofe,  by  the  bounty  of  the  inexhauftible 
treafury  of  wifdom  and  all-fufficiency. 
Here  the  fountain  is  forfaken  for  the  ftream's 
fake;  the  eye  being  more  to  the  gift  than 
the  giver,  which  is  an  abufe  of  the  gift, 
and  provokes  the  Lord  to  jealoufy ;  giving 
him  juft  caufe  to  withhold  fuch  inftrumen- 
tal  means  from  people.  The  reafon  of  fuch 
a  dangerous  miftake,  to  me  is  obvious,  viz* 
becaufe  it  is  found  eafier  for  flefli  to  receive 
by  fuch  a  medium;  *^  Let  iiot  God  fpeak 
*'  unto  us,  left  we  die,  faid  the  people  of 
*' Ifrael,  but  let  Mofes  [the  inftrument] 
"  fpeak  unto  us."  There  is  a  life  that  ought 
to  die  on  the  crofs,  which  is  eafier  faved 
alive  under  teftimonies  be  they  ever  fo  fub- 
ftantial  and  excellent,  than  under  the  im- 
mediate teachings  of  Chrift;  whofe  voice 
is  as  a  fire  againft  evil  of  every  kind,  and 
affords  no  peace  after  it  is  difcovered,  until 
it  be  given  up  for  deftrudlion,  and  to  be 
purged  away  by  the  fpirit  of  judgment  and 
burning.     This  pure  voice  ipeaks  to  us  in 

ixiQk 


ts^        The    journal    op 

fuch  a  manner,  as  that  we  can  by  no  means 
turn  it  off  from   ourfelves   by   applying  it 
to  the  ftates  of  others;   which  niay  be  done 
Under  the  moil  fearching  teftimonies ;  thert2 
being    a     partiahty    to    ourfelves,     which, 
through  the  deceitfulnefs  of  the  heart,  we 
^lare  bat  too  apt  to  fall  into;  and  alfo  to  flat- 
ter ourfelves,    b"^  iuppoling  the  pleafure  we 
take  in  hearing  the  doctnnes  of  truth  de- 
^livered,   arifes  from  the  good  in  us,  wheh 
it  may  be  no  other  than  tne  ftate  of  thole, 
to  whom  the  prophet  Ezekiefs  words  and 
declarations  were  as  a  lovely  fong,  of  one 
^that  hath  a  pleafant  voice:  for  they  heard 
^his  words,  it  feems,  wah  pleafure,   but  did 
•them  not;  their  heart  going  flill  after  their 
covetoufnefs.      I  have   lengthened  this  re- 
mark the  more,  becaufe  of  the  very  hurt- 
ful confequences  I  often  have  icen  and  felt, 
'by  an  over-anxioufnefs  in  people  after  out- 
ward declarations ;    even   to   the  negletft  of 
that  great  and  neceffary  work,  of  drawing 
near  to  God  with  true  hearts,    in  full  af- 
furance  of  faith;  wherein  is  our  only  fafety 
iand  help.      May  this  conlideration   deeply 
engage   all  minds  to   return  unto  him,  the 
great  Ihepherd  of  ;ii^ael,  v/ho  puts  his  own 
ilieep   forth    and  goeth  before  them,    lead- 
•ing   into  green  pailures,  bringing  them  up 
from  the  vvafliing-pool,  bearing  twins,  noiie 
being  barren  aniongil  them.    I  found  it  my 
place  to  give  that   meeting  an  exiimple  of 
filence.       From    thence    1  went    to    their 

monthly 


JOHN    GRIFEITH,         153 

monthly- meeting  at  Hartfhavv,  wherein  I 
fat  a  coMfiderable  time  in  lilent  waiting 
upon  and  feeking  the  Lord,  who  was 
pleafed  in  his  own  time  to  open  a  Hving 
Ipring  of  miniftry,  afid  truth  greatly  pre- 
vailed, t-q  the  comfort  and  edification  of 
friends:  there  being  aifo  divers  not  of  our 
fociety  prefent  during  tiie  meeting  for  wor- 
ihip,  amongfl  w^iom  one,  who  exprefled  a 
fenfe  he  had  of  an  awful  folemnity  to  be 
felt  in  the  meeting  before  any  words  were 
uttered,  which  to  him  exceeded  words  or 
outward  declarations,  or  to  that  efFccl :  as  a 
friend  told  me  afterwards.  This,  dqubtlefs, 
would  be  much  more  the  cafe  with  many 
who  at  times  come  amongfl  us,  were  our. 
religious  meetings  held  more  in  the  ihn^, 
fible  feeling  of  the  divine  power.  From 
thence  1  went  to  Manchefter,  and  had  a 
meeting  there,  Avhich  was  lov/  and  affli(5l- 
ing.  Some  who  ihould  have  been  way- 
marks  and  leaders  of  the  flock,  not,  keep- 
ing their  own  fpirits  in  due  fubjecT:ion  to 
the  peaceable  fpirit  of  truth,  had  not  main- 
tained the  unity  thereof,  which  is  the  bond 
of  peace:  whereby  that  meeting  was  hurt 
and  the  pernicious  effefts  thereof  were  pain- 
fully felt.  I  (laid  until  their  firft-day 
meetings  were  over,  where  the  Lord  was 
pleafed  to  afford  fufHcient  ability  to  dif- 
charge  the  fervice  required,  to  mine  own, 
eafe  and  comfort,  in  a  good  degree,  I 
w:ent   from   thence  to   Stockport    in    Che- 

fliire,* 


154        The    J  O  IT  R  N  A  L    of 

fiiire,  and  had  an  open  comfortable  meet- 
ing, to  the  reviving  of  thpfe  few  who  la- 
boured to  teep  their  habitations  in  the 
tiudi,  and  warning  of  carelefs  profeflbrs. 
I  h^d  next  day  a  fmall  poor  meeting  at  Mac- 
clesfield, I  went  fron>  thence  to  Morley, 
where,  although  the  appearance  of  pro- 
felTors  was  large,  yet  very  little  to  be  felt 
of  the  life  of  religion  amongft  them;  but 
inftead  thereof,  a  fenfe  of  death  and  dark- 
nefs,  occafioned  by  wrong  things.  I  had 
no  opennefs  at  that  time  to  adminifter  any 
thing,  but  an  example  of  filence.  I  had  a 
:meeting  next  day  at  Frandley,  where  truth 
favoured  with  a  degree  of  opennefs,  I 
went  from  thence  to  Sutton,  where  things 
appeared  low:  I  found  it  my  place  to  lit 
the  whole  meeting  in  filence.  The  next 
meeting  was  at  Newton,  being  on  firft'^ 
day,  where  I  was  favoured  with  a  pretty 
thorough  opportunity  to  clear  myfelf.  Then 
went  to  Weft-Chefler;  had  a  fmall  meeting 
there  in  filence,  and  things  appeared  very- 
low.  The  next  day  I  had  a  good  fatisfac- 
tory  meeting  at  Namptwich;  and  went  tb 
Middlewich,  where  I  met  our  worthy  friend 
Jofhua  Toft.  The  meeting  was,  through 
divine  goodnefs  extended  for  our  help,  to 
pretty  good  fatisfadlion.  I  went  home  with 
the  above-mentioned  friend,  and  had  a 
meeting  next  day  at  Leek  in  StafFordfhire : 
I  fat  the  whole  time  in  filence ;  friends  ap- 
peared to  me,  in  too  general  a  way^  at  eafe 

in 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         155 

in  an  empty  form  of  religion,  depending  on 
the  labour  of  others.  I  went  next  day 
in  company  with  jolliua  Toft,  to  the  burial 
of  a  friend  at  Stafford ;  there  were  but  few 
of  our  foclety  thereabout,  but  many  others 
came,  -fome  of  whom  were  very  rude  and 
nolfy  In  tjie  meeting.  Our  way  was  quite 
blocked  up  as  to  miniflry.  I  returned  with 
Jofhua  Toft  and  went  to  Leek  meeting  on 
firft-day,  wherein  I  had  a  thorough  rouling 
opportunity ;  trtith  being  exalted,  and  the 
great  name  of  God  magnified,  who  alone  Is 
worthy  for  ever.  I  went  from  thence  In 
company  with  my  dear  friend  Jofhua  Toft, 
to  the  quarterly-meeting  for  Chefhire,  to  be 
held  at  Middlewlch:  Infinite  klndnefs  was 
greatly  manifefled  at  that  meeting,  for  the 
benefit  of  friends  In  general  and  the  en- 
couragement of  the  upright-hearted  In  par- 
ticular. Things  refpeCllng  truth  and  fiiends 
being  In  the  general,  very  low  In  that  coun- 
ty; yet  the  Lord,  lii  condefceildlng  klnd- 
nefs, extended  his  love  for  their  ixvival  and 
recovery.  Here  I  found  rhy  mind  engaged 
to  vifit  Morley  meeting  aga;in,  the  aforelald 
friend  joining  me  therein ;  and  fending  no- 
tice by  fome  friends  returning  from  the  quar- 
terly-meeting ;  we  had  a  very  large  meeting, 
compofed  of  friends  and  others.  I  had  tho- 
rough fervice  therein ;  yet  near  the  conclufion, 
not  finding  my  mind  clear  ot  thofe  under  our 
profefTion,  others  were  deiired  to  withdraw, 
which  they  immediately  did.     Our  labour 

X  t\ra$ 


156        The    JOURNAL    of 

v/as  very  clofe  and  fearching  amongft  thofe 
tinder  the  profeffion  of  truth,  things  being 
much  out  of  order;  undue  liberties  having 
crept  in.  The  Lord  flivoured  me  with  wii- 
dom  and  ftrength,  fo  to  difcharge  myfelf  of 
the  fervicc  required,  as  to  go  away  with  a 
peaceful  eafy  mind. 

I  have  now  to  give  an  account  of  an  un- 
expecled  turn  I  found  in  my  mind,  refpecft- 
ing  the  courfe  I  was  to  (leer  in  my  travels;. 
When  I  left  Lancafter  I  had  no  other  view 
than  to  vifit  m?eetings  agreeable  to  the 
foregoing  account,  and  to  proceed  in  a 
pretty  dire6l  courfe  through  the  Midland 
counties  tow^ards  London.  But,  very  con- 
trary to  my  expectation,  I  found  my  way 
quite  blocked  up  and  flopped  as  to  what  i^ 
before  hinted,  and  another  opened  before 
me,'  viz.  To  turn  into  Yorkfliire  again,  and 
take  meetings  in  my  way  to  the  quarterly- 
meeting  there;  from  thence  to  Lancafter 
quarterly-meeting;  and  to  the  circular 
yearly-meeting  for  the  northern  counties, 
to  be  held  that  year  at  Kendal ;  after 
which,  to  crofs  the  fea  for  Ireland.  But 
O,  the  clofe  exercife  this  imlooked-for 
turn  brought  upon  my  mind  :  not  fo  much 
out  of  reluflance  to  obey  the  Lord's  re- 
quiring, provided  I  was  favoured  with 
clear  certainty  thereof,  as  fears  of  being 
miflakcn ;  and  great  reafbnings  there  were 
in  my  weaknefs;  yet  through  divine  favour, 

I  was 


JOHN    G  RIFFIFH.         157 

I  was  enabled,  ,ia  a  good  degree  to  get 
over  them,  and  to  yield  obedience  to  that 
which  I  beheved  was  required.  I  there- 
upon acquainted  my  friend  Wilham  Eack- 
houfe  With  the' time  I  purpofed  going  for 
Ireland,  as  he,  when  with  me  in  the  Fylde 
Country  of  Lancafhire,  had  fignified  his  de- 
fire  of  bearing  nie  company  tiierein,  when 
I  found  it  my  duty  to  undertake  it ;  al- 
though neither  he  nor  I  thought  then  it 
would  be  fo  foon;  however,  I  received 
his  anfwer,  that  he  intended  to  prepare 
againfl  the  time  propofed,  in  order  to  bear 
me  company.  We  went  from  this  meeting 
to  Lowlighton  in  Derbyfliire,  where  we 
were  favoured  with  a  good  open  meeting, 
and  fo  proceeded  over  the  mountains  of  Der- 
byihire-Peak,  to  SheiEeld  in  Yorkfliire; 
where  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  give  us  a 
very  gracious  confirming  meeting;  truth 
and  its  tefl:imony  being  greatly  exalted. 
This  blefied  opportunity  removed  all  my 
reafonings  and  fears  before  hinted  5  for 
which  my  foul  was  humbly  thankful  to 
the  Lord,  my  alone  helper.  After  this 
meeting  my  much  efl:eemed  friend  Jofliua 
Toft  and  I  took  leave  of  each  other,  he 
returning  home.  1  went  with  our  worthy 
friend  John  Hafiam  to  his  houfe  at  Handf- 
worth  Woodhoufe,  where  the  next  day  I 
had  a  very  open  fiitisfoclory  meeting;  the 
Lord  aflxDrding  dodlrine  and  counfel  fuit- 
able    to  the  ftates  of  thofe  few  belonging 

to 


158        The    JOURNAL    of 

to  that  meeting.  When  at  the  houfe  of  my 
friend  before-mentioned,  my  mmd  was 
touched  with  foraething  Uke  his  bearing  me 
company  to  York  and  from  thence  to  Ken- 
dal yearly-meetings  which  I  informed  him 
of;  bvit  he  made  very  light  of  it,  perhaps 
thinking  my  motive  was  only  for  the  fake 
of  having  his  company.  I  advifed  him  to 
take  with  him  fuch  things  as  he  might 
think  neceffary,  in  cafe  he  v/as  to  go;  and 
if,  when  at  York,  he  found  no  fuch  con- 
cern, he  might  then  return  home.  We 
fet  out  together  for  York,  taking  meet- 
ings in  our  way,  at  Newel-Grange  and  Bar- 
ton, which  were  precious  open  times;  the 
life  and  power  pf  truth  attending  to  our 
great  comfort.  We  travelled  on  to  Leeds, 
and  lodged  at  our  worthy  friend  Chriftiana 
Home's,  who  in  her  time  had  been  a  fuc- 
courer  of  many  pf  the  Lord's  mefTengers, 
being  a  truly  open-hearted  woman,  a  mo- 
ther in  our  Ifrael.  But  fhe  did  not  continue 
a  great  while  in  mutability  after  this.  Next 
day  we  proceeded  to  York,  and  attended 
the  quarterly-meeting ;  but  cannot  find  any 
memorandum  by  me  of  its  fiate,  therefore 
have  but  little  to  fay  concerning  it.  I  flaid 
over  their  firft-day  meetings  at  York;  they 
were  hard  and  painful;  I  had  nothing  by 
way  of  teftimony,  fave  a  little  at  one  of 
them.  My  truly  valuable  friend  John 
Hailam  acquainted  me,  that  what  I  had 
f^id  to  Iiim  at  his  own  houfe,  of  bearing 

me 


JOHN    GRIFFITH-         159 

me  company  to  Lancafter  quarterly- meet- 
ing   and    the    yearly-meeting    at    Kendal, 
had  laid  fuch  clofe  hold  of  his  mind  that 
he  could   not   find   freedom    to   leave   me. 
He  faid  I   had,    by  thofe  few   expreffions, 
although   he   did   hot    much    regard   them, 
at  firft,  caft  fuch  a  mantle  over  him,   (or  to 
that  efFedl)  that  he  found  he  muft  go  with 
me,    though    not  fo  well  provided  for  the 
journey  as  he  could  defire.     We  went  from 
York  to  our   friend  William    Hird's,    and 
from  thence  to  David  Hall's,  and  fo  to  the 
monthly-meeting  at   Settle.     In  the  after- 
noon the  fame  day,    we  were  at  the  burial 
of  a  friend  there,  which  was  an  open  fatif- 
fadlory  time,  truth  overfhadowing  the  meet- 
ing, and  the  tellimony  thereof  was  exalted 
to  our  great  comfort.      Next  day  we   had 
a  pretty  open  comfortable  meeting  at  Ben- 
tham,  and  went  from  thence  to  the  houfe 
of  our  friend  William  Backhoufe,    who  I 
expected  to  find  prepared  to    go  with  me 
into  Ireland;  but  to  my  no  fmall  furprize^ 
I  found  he  had  reafoned  it  away,  under  an 
apprehenfion  that  his  propofal  of  accompany-^ 
ing  me  proceeded  more  from  his  love  to  me 
than  any  real  concern  at  that  time.     I  was 
fully  perfuaded  his  concern  was  right,  as  he 
had  acquainted  me  it  had  remained  on  his 
mind  to  vifit  Ireland  again  for  fome  years: 
I  therefore  had  a  great  travail  in  my  mind 
for  him,    that  he  might  be  brought  to  a 
right  fenfe  and  difcerning  of  the  Lord's  re- 

quirings; 


i6o         The    JOURNAL    of 

quirings;  being  fully  fatisfied  he  was  a  man 
of  fiiicerity,  who  vvould  not  wilfully  tranf- 
grefs. 

I  took  an  opportunity  with  him  next 
morning,  and  his  concern  returning,  and  he 
abiding  fteadily  under  the  weight  thereof, 
afterwards  performed  the  faid  journey  to  his 
own  peace,  and  was  to  me  an  agreeable  friend 
and  fellow- labourer.  Having  appointed  to 
meet  me  at  Whitehaven;  we  went  from  his 
houfe  to  Lancafter,  and  attended  their  meet- 
ings on  firft-day.  In  both  which  I  found  it 
my  bufinefs  to  fet  an  example  of  filence. 
I  was  taken  fuddenly  that  night  after  all 
were  a  bed,  with  an  uncommon  fwelling 
in  my  throat,  not  much  unlike  a  quinfey ; 
I  could  fcarcely  fwallow  liquids  for  fome 
time,  fo  that  it  feemed  very  probable  to 
thofe  about  me,  that  it  would  foon  be  over 
with  me,  as  to  this  world.  Concerning 
which,  I  was  very  eafy  in  my  mind.  A 
dodlor  was  quickly  fent  for;  by  whofe  care, 
under  divine  favour,  I  foon  recovered,  fo 
as  to  attend  the  yearly-meeting  at  Kendal. 
It  was  very  large,  there  being  a  great  col- 
lection of  friends  from  many  parts,  and  large 
numbers  of  people  of  other  ibcieties.  This 
meeting  was  divinely  favoured,  efpecially 
at  the  concluding  meeting,  wherein  God's 
everlafting  truth  triumphed  glorioufly,  and 
xnj  poor  deprefTed  fpirit,  that  had  long 
waded  under  the  weight  of  wrong  things, 
was  raifed  into  comfortable  dominion,  and 

obtained. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        i6i 

obtained,  through  the  captain  of  our  falva- 
tion,  complete   vidlory  over  thofe  hard  un- 
mortined  fpirits,    undue  Hberties,  and  car-* 
nal   Kfelefs  profeiTors,    I  had  long  mourned 
under  a  painful  fenfe  of,    in  my  northern 
travels;    now  I   was  fet  over  them  ail,  for 
I    fenfibly   perceived,    and  livingly  felt  his 
eternal  power  fet  over  all  wrong  fpirits,  and 
clearly  faw  the  Lamb  and  his  followers  will 
obtain   the   viclory:    and   although  it  hath 
been,  is,  and  will  be,    through  great  fuf* 
ferings ;  yet  thofe  who  patiently  fuffer  with 
Chrill,    fliall  alfo  reign   with   him.      This 
meeting  crowned   all   my  fervice   in  thofe 
parts ;  after  which  I  found  my  mind  quite 
at  liberty  to  embark  for  Ireland.     I  fet  out 
next  day  for  Whitehaven  in  company  with 
my    good    friend    Chriftopher   Wilfon ;    a 
very  pleafant  journey  we  had,  in  that  fweet 
innocent  freedom  which  cloathed  our  fpirits, 
feeling  the  confolating  ftreams  of  that  river 
which  maketh  glad  the  city  of  God.     Here 
we,  in  degree,  enjoyed  the  new  heavens  and 
the  new  earth  wherein  dwelleth  righteouf- 
nefs :    the  fruit  and  effect  whereof  is  quiet- 
nefs  and  affurance  for  ever.     I  was  at  Pard- 
Ihaw  meeting,  being  on  a  firft-day.     It  was 
a  precious   opportunity;    truth  was  greatly 
in    dominion    and    its    teftimonv    exalted, 
the  fincere-hearted  being  fweetly  comforted 
and  united  one  to  another.     The  next  day 
I  went  to  their  monthly-meeting,  and  had 
good  fervice,    both  in  the  meeting  of  w^or- 


i62        The    JOURNAL    of 

ihip  and  that  for  tranfacting  the  affairs  of 
the  church.  The  weighty  fervice  of  vifit- 
ing  families  was  before  that  meeting,  and 
I  underftood  had  been  fometime  obftrucfted 
by  fome  of  the  members,  to  the  concern 
and  uneafinefs  of  others.  It  was  clear  td 
xne,  when  it  came  to  be  weightily  confider- 
ed,  that  the  power  and  virtue  of  truth  was 
livingly  with  the  promoters  of  fo  good  a 
work,  and  I  did  fully  believe  the  Lord 
would  blefs  it  in  their  hands.  I  therefore 
endeavoured  to  lift  the  oppofite  fide  as  well 
as  I  could,  to  the  bottom,  and  found  very 
little  or  no  weight  in  what  they  had  to 
offer  againfl  it.  Upon  which  they  were  ear- 
neflly  defired  not  to  hinder  the  fervice  of 
others,  in  that  important  work  that  had 
fo  often  and  fo  evidently  been  bleffed,  al- 
though they  might  be  vmwilling  to  put 
their  own  hands  thereto.  Truth  arofe  and 
came  over  them,  fo  that  friends  at  that 
meeting  appointed  fifteen  or  fixteen  men 
and  women,  to  go  in  feveral  companies  on 
the  fervice,  as  that  monthly-meeting  is  large 
in  its  extent.  This  afforded  great  relief 
and  fatisfadlion  to  the  fincere  travellers 
for  Sion's  profperity.  I  went  from  thence 
accompanied  by  feveral  friends,  to  White- 
haven, where  I  met  my  intended  compa- 
nion William  Backhoufe;  and  a  fhip  be- 
longing to  a  friend,  whofe  name  was 
James  Nicholfon,  being  ready  to  fail  for 
Dublin,  we  went  on  board  of  her,  the  1 9ch 

of 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         163 

of  the  2(1  month,  1749,  in  the  evening, 
and  were  foon  under  fail.  We  met  Wr  h 
contrary  winds,  and  a  very  rough  uiieafy  paf- 
fage  as  to  our  bodies;  being  five  days  and  as 
many  nig'its  before  we  landed.  What 
made  it  much  harder  for  William  and  me 
to  bear,  we  had  given  up  the  beds  prepar- 
ed for  us  to  two  women  friends  that  came 
on  board  and  were  unprovided,  they  be  g 
alfo  very  fea-fick  moft  of  the  time;  fo  we 
were  under  a  necelTity  of  lying  down,  on 
the  cabin  floor  or  upon  fome  ot  the  chefls, 
in  our  cloaths,  wliich  \Ye  did  not  take  off 
all  the  while,  that  I  remember.  This 
proved  very  trying  and  hard  to  us,  and 
greatly  fpent  and  fatigaed  we  were  when 
we  landed  at  Dublin :  where  we  were  re- 
ceived an^"  entertained  with  affeclionate 
kindnefs  by  our  friend  Samuel  Judd  and 
family,  at  whofe  houfe  we  lodged  while 
in  that  citf?  The  hajf  year's  meeting  began 
in  the  morning  ot  the  day  we  landed,  i;: 
being  afternoon  when  we  got  on  fhore. 

Tiie  next  day  we  aitended  two  meetings 
for  the  afifliirs  of  the  church;  and  I  am 
fully  perfuaded,  there  was  a  faithful  exer- 
cifed  remnant,  painfully  labouring  for  the 
reftoration  of  ancient  beauty  and  comelineis, 
and  the  affairs  of  the  church  were  tranf- 
a6led  with  very  confiderable  order  and 
decency ;  yet  my  Ipirit '  was,  as  it  were, 
cloathed  with  deep  mourning,  and  much 
clofed   up  in  painful   anxiety.      The  caufe 

Y  whereof 


i64        The    JOURNAL    or 

whereof  I  did  not  then  diftindllv  imder- 
(land ;  but  when  I  had  travelled  through 
the  nation,  viliting  the  churches,  and  for- 
row fully  viewing  the  defolations  thereof,  my 
futFerings  in  fpirit  at  the  half  year's  meet- 
ing were  no  longer  a  myflery  to  me.  The 
next  morning  was  held  a  general  large  con- 
cluding meetnig  for  worlhip  and  in  the 
afternoon  a  meeting  of  minifters  and 
elders ;  at  both  wnich,  efpecially  the 
latter,  I  had  open  thorough  fervice;  as  alfa 
in  their  week-day  meeting  at  Sycomore-aiiey 
on  fixth-day.  We  (laid  at  Dublin  over  firfl- 
day:  at  Meath-Street  in  the  morning  the 
Lord  was  pleafed  to  f urniih  largely  with 
matter  and  utterance,  to  a  good  degree  of 
fatisfac5lion.  In  the  afternoon  at  Sycomore- 
alley,  I  found  it  my  duty  ^^aiifjbe  filent. 
On  fecond-day  we  fet  out  from  Dublin, 
accompanied  by  James  Evans  and  wife,  in 
order  to  vilit  the  following  meeikigs-in  our 
Avay  towards  Cork,  viz.  Ball^cane,  Wick- 
low,  Errats,  Wrights,  CooLidlne,  Wex- 
ford, Lambfton,  Rofs,  Waterford,  Clon- 
mel,  Kilcomon,  YoughSll,  and  fo  to  Cork; 
We  found  things  very  low  indeed  in  molt 
of  the  faid  meetings ;  my  labour  in  them 
was  generally  fearching,  painful,  and  labo- 
rious. Truth  feldom  having  that  comfort- 
able dominion  (by  reafon  of  the  prevalence 
of  wrong  things)  as  was  earneftly  laboured 
for,  both  by  us,  and  alfo  by  a  few  mourn- 
ers fcattered  up  and  down  in  thofe  parts^ 

who 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         i6; 

wlio  waited  for,  and  ardently  fonglit  the 
profperlty  of  Zion.  Such  can  only  rejoice 
when  the  righteous  feed  beareth  rule.  We 
had  feveral  meetings  in  the  city  of  Cork, 
where  there  is  a  conliderable  body  of  friends, 
as  to  number.  But  oh!  the  love  of  this 
world  and  other  undue  liberties,  hath  pre- 
vailed, to  the  great  hurt  of  the  fociety 
there  alfo.  Our  labour  was  for  the  moft 
part,  painful  and  exercifing  amongfl  them. 
From  thence  we  went  to  Kilcomon  again  j 
fo  to  Cafhel,  Limerick,  Jonathan  Barns's, 
and  Birr.  At  feveral  of  which  meetings  I 
found  it  my  place  to  example  the  people 
with  lilence,  which  was  the  cafe  at  Birr, 
having  (as  it  was  faid)  all  the  people  called 
Methodifts  refiding  there,  and  their  preacher 
at  the  meeting;  than  whom,  I  think  no  peo- 
ple are  more  at  a  lofs  what  to  do  with  filence 
in  worfhip;  I  am  perfuaded  there  have  been 
awakening  of  merciful  kindnefs  to  them, 
and  they  have  feen  the  necefTity  of  the  new- 
birth  ;  but  their  notions  about  it  have  been 
for  the  moft  part,  in  the  airy  vifions,  and 
flightinefs  of  their  own  imaginations;  not 
coming  to  ceafe  from  man,  or  from  their 
own  willings  and  runnings.  Oh  that  they 
were  fo  happy  as  to  be  emptied!  that  God 
might  be  all  in  all,  working  in  them  the 
will  and  the  deed;  then  would  they  come 
really  to  experience  true  poverty  of  fpirit, 
and  to  abhor  forward  adlive  felf,  whofe  time 
is  always  ready.     In  this  fafe,  felf-denvi  g 

licuatioiis 


i66        The    JOURNAL    ot 

fitaation,  they  would  really  feel  an  abfolute 
neceffity  to  wait,  as  with  their  mouths  in 
the  dull  before  the  Lord,  until  he  Ihall  be 
plea  fed  to  arife  in  their  hearts ;  whereby 
all  his  and  their  enemies  would  be  fcattered. 
Then  would  true  worfhip  be  performed^ 
and  they  eftabliihed  upon  the  immoveable 
rock  that  the  gates  of  hell  cannot  prevail 
againft.  After  Birr,  we  had  meetings  at 
.the  Moat,  Old-Caftle,  Ballyhaife,  Coothill^ 
and  Caftlefhane ;  which  meetings  were 
moftly  fmall  and  painful;  truth  favoured 
with  a  degree  of  ftrength,  to  labour  for 
their  help  and  recovery;  but,  alas  1  the  life 
of  rel  g'on  appeared  to  be  at  a  very  low  ebb^ 
The  next  meetings  we  had  were  at  Bally- 
hagen  and  Charlemont,  which  were  laigc, 
yet  but  little  to  be  felt  of  the  life  of  reli- 
gion moving  or  ftirring  in  them;  neither 
did  there  appear  to  be  much  foundnefs 
amdngll  iome  of  the  foremoil  r«nk ;  feveral 
of  whom  having  adminiuered  caufe  of 
{tumbling  and  difcouragement  to  others, 
it  had  a  bad  favour  and  influence;  inftead 
of  gathering,  it  had  tended  to  fcatter  from 
the  fold  of  Chrift's  flock.  I  had  very  clofe 
fearching-work  among! t  them,  in  order  to 
bring  the  judgment  of  truth  over  fuch,  as 
the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  open  my  way  and 
to  difcover  their  fl:ates  to  me,  being  altoge- 
ther without  any  outward  information  there- 
of. I  underflood  afterwards  fome  of  them 
refented  it,    thoiigh  they   laid   nothing   to 

me 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        167 

ine  about  it;    but  as  fome  had  before,  fo  I 
vinderilood  one  or  more  of  them  did  fooii 
after,  manifed  a   bafe  ungodly  foundation. 
We    proceeded   from    thence    to    take    the 
meetings  round  Lough  Neigh,  viz.  Tober- 
head,    Coh^aine,    Balhnacre,    Grange,    and 
Antrim;    which   meetings  appeared   indeed 
ahnoft  a  defolation  with  refpedl  to  the  fen- 
iible  poirefTion    of   truth,    although  it  was 
profefTed  by  fome.     A  time  of  deep  mourn- 
ing and  diftrefs  it  was  to  my  foul,  to  view 
their  captivity   and  lofs,    which  themfelves 
did  not  feem  to  have  much  fenfe  of.     The 
next  meeting  was  Baliinderry,    being  very 
large^  but  heavy  and  painful;  yet  the  ble^ 
fed  power  of  truth  prevailea  in  a  good  de- 
gree.    From  thence  we  went  to  the  follow- 
ing places  and  had  meetings,  viz.  Lifburn, 
Hilfborough,  Lurgan,  andMoyallan;  where, 
although  we  found   fome  true  mourners  in 
and   for  Zion,    yet  the  bulk  of  the  fociety 
feemed  to   love  the  world  and   the    things 
that  are  therein,  to  that  degree,  as  to  have 
very  little  tafte  or  relifli  for  the  things  of 
God.     Even  fome  of  thofe,  who,  by  their 
fhations   in  the  church,  ought  to  have  been 
lively  examples  of  felf-denial  in  this  refped:, 
appeared  to  be  as  deeply  plunged  into  this 
mournful  caufe  of  defolation  as  any.     Alas! 
what  account  will  they  have  to  give  of  their 
ftewardfliip,  when   the  chief  fhepherd  fhall 
appear.      From  this   place    we   croffed   the 
country  to  Edenderry ;  once  remarkable  for 

a  brave. 


i68        The    JOURNAL    of 

a  brave,  lively  body  of  friends :  there  are 
now  a  large  number  of  profellbrs  belonging 
to  it ;  but,  alas  !  the  glory  is  much  depart- 
ed, and  the  fountain  of  living  v^^ater  forfa- 
ken  by  many.  Oh,  how  are  they  gone  into 
captivity  by  the  muddy  waters  of  Babylon ! 
"We  attended  their  meeting  on  a  firft-day, 
but  could  hear  no  melody  or  fong  of  Zion ; 
all  being  doled  up,  and  our  harps  hung,  as 
it  were,  upon  the  willows.  It  was  a  time 
of  deep  filent  mourning.  About  the  time 
of  breaking  up  that  meeting,  it  hvingly 
fprung  in  my  mind,  that  as  they  had  re- 
jedled  abundant  favours  bellowed  upon  them 
that  they  might  be  gathered  to  God,  fo  the 
Lord  would  rejeft  many  of  them.  The 
next  meetings  we  had,  were  at  Timahoe, 
Rathagon,  Mount  Melick,  Mountrath, 
Ballinakill,  at  James  Huchefon's,  Carlow, 
Kilconner,  and  the  province  meeting  at 
Caftle  Dermot.  Pain,  diflrefs,  and  ciofe 
labour,  either  in  teftimony,  or  an  example 
of  filence,  attended  in  the  laft-mentioned 
meetings;  yet  the  Lord  was  a  gracious  fup- 
port  through  all.  I  hope  our  deep  wadir^gs 
and  painful  fervice,  was  not  without  fome 
.good  effedls,  both  to  the  ftirring  up  the 
carelefs,  and  comforting  the  mourners  in 
Zion.  I  had  very  clofe  fervice  at  the  pro- 
vince meeting ;  yet,  by  divine  favour,  was 
carried  through  to  pretty  good  fatisfaflion, 
and  I  believe  it  was  a  ferviceable  meeting  to 
many.     From  thence,  in  our  way  to  Dub-^ 

liWj 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        169 

Hn,  we  had  meetings  at  Athy,  Ballytore^ 
and  Baltybois,  which  were  very  fmall,  and 
true  reHgiori  very  low.  From  thence  we 
went  to  DabUn,  intending  fliortly  to  em- 
bark for  England.  We  attended  the  meet- 
ings in  the  city,  both  on  firft  and  other 
days  of  the  week  during  our  ftay,  but  I 
had  very  Uttle  opennefs  therein ;  being  made 
to  the  profefTors  as  a  fign  and  example  of 
filence  from  meeting  to  meeting.  Great 
indeed  were  my  inward  dlftreffes,  on  account 
of  the  mournful  declenfion  of  the  church  in 
Ireland:  the  Lord  knoweth,  and  was  my 
only  fupport  under  it.  Bleffed  be  his  name 
for  ever!  Divers  there  were  amongft  them- 
felves,  who  greatly  lamented  it.  The  tra- 
vail of  whole  pained  fouls,  I  hope  the  Lord 
of  fabbaths  will  regard  in  his  own  time,  fo 
as  to  turn  his  hand  again  upon  a  greatly 
declined  church,  that  he  may,  by  the  fpirit 
of  judgment  and  burning,  purely  purge 
away  her  drofs,  take  away  her  tin  and 
reprobate  filver;  that  her  judges  may  be 
reftored  as  at  the  firft,  and  her  counfellors 
as  at  the  beginning. 

It  may  by  fome  be  looked  upon  rather 
imprudent,  to  lay  open  the  defedion  and 
fpiritual  condition  or  ftate  of  our  fociety, 
which  depends  fo  much  upon  my  own  tef- 
timony  of  an  inward  fenfe  given  me  thereof 
in  my  travels.  In  the  firft  place,  no  other 
perfon  can  do  it  for  me,  and  I  cannot  find 
my   mind  eafy    that  it   lliould   be  wholly 

omitted. 


lyo        The    JOURNAL    of 

omitted.  It  hith  been  fo  repeatedly,  and 
with  fuch  clear  evidence  to  my  underftand- 
ing  confirmed,  that  I  have  not  the  leaft 
doubt  of  what  I  write  in  that  refpedl ;  al- 
though it  be  with  a  confiderable  degree  of 
rel usance,  yet  it  feems  my  way,  and  I  am 
not  eafy  to  go  out  of  it ;  Intending  no  other 
by  thofe  clofe  remarks,  than  as  leiFons  of 
inflru6lion,  caution,  and  warning  to  fucceed- 
ing  generations;  if,  when  I  am  removed 
hence,  this  be  looked  upon  worth  printing. 
So  far  I  may  add,  that  the  laying  open  the 
mournful  declenfion  of  the  fociety,  and 
pomting  out  fome  of  the  caufes  thereof, 
as  my  underftanding  might  be  opened  there- 
into, was  one  of  the  principal  things  that 
engaged  me  to  write  a  journal:  it  never 
entering  into  my  thought,  that  my  tra- 
vels and  lltde  fervices,  fnigly  confidered, 
were  of  fach  confequence  as  to  merit  the  re- 
gard of  my  friends,  fo  as  to  be  publilhed  ;  but 
thinking  the  account  of  my  travels  and  the 
obfervations  of  the  ftate  of  things  are 
neceflarily  connecled  together,  fo  that  in 
doing  the  firil,  1  could  not  well  avoid  the 
laft.  I  have  further  to  add,  that  I  think 
myfelf  alfo  warranted  herein,  by  the  exam^- 
ple  of  God's  faithful  witneifes  in  ages  paft, 
With  whom  it  was  ufual  to  lay  open  the 
ftates  of  the  people,  both  in  an  individual 
manner  and  in  a  more  collective  body, 
viz.  as  nations,  focieties,  or  churches;  alfo 
fetting  forth,  for  a  warning  to  all  fucceed- 

ing 


^dHN    GUIFFITH.         171 

ing  generations,  thofe  particular  evils  which 
caufed  the   Lord's   difpleafure,    and  would, 
if  not  turned  from,  bring  down  his  judg- 
ments upon  them.     We  alfo  find,  that  even 
thefe    warnings    and    heavy    denunciations 
of  judgment,  were  preferved  in  writing,  as 
a  teflimony  for  God,  and  againft  themfelves, 
even  by  thofe  againft  whom  they  were  really 
given  forth;    yea,  the  particular  evils  and 
frailties   which,    through  inadvertency,  the 
Lord's   choice  fervants  fell  into,  and  deeply 
repented    of,     are    recorded;     not  only  as 
warnings  to  all,  but  alfo  to  excite  charity 
and  tendernefs  towards  thofe  who  have  fal- 
len into  evil,    in  cafe  they  repent  and  for- 
fake;    confidering  ourfelves,    that  we  may 
alfo   be  tempted,    and  therefore  never  dare 
upbraid  thofe,  who,  through  their  own  im- 
prudence, have  fallen  amongft  thieves  and 
are  naked  and  wounded,  provided  they  re- 
turn again  to  the  father's  houfe.     I  have  juft 
further  to  remark,   that  I  have  obferved  a 
prevailing  difpofition  in  fome  lof  confidera- 
ble  eminence  in  the  fociety,  and  in  a  great 
many  others,  to   cry  up  mightily  for  peace 
and  charity,  the  maintenance  of  unity,   and 
not  'to   prefs   any    thing    very   clofely,     left 
the    peace    of    the   fociety   ihouid    thereby 
be    endangered;     although,     perhaps,     the 
things    urged    cannot    well   be    objefted    to 
upon    any    other    principle,    than   groand- 
lefs  fears,   and  a  faint-hearted  mind  not  yet: 
quire  upright  to  God,  nor  wholly  rCvleem- 

Z  ed 


171       The    JOURNAL    or 

ed  from  the  praife  of  men :  as  there  Is  a?i 
unwiUingnefs  to  difpleafe  them,  though  in 
maintauiing  the  Lord's  caiife:  "  for  if  I  yet 
"  pleafed  men  (faid  Paul)  I  fliould  not  be 
"  the  fervant  of  Chrift."  \yhat  makes  me 
take  notice  of  this,  is,  that  I  have  ihtn  a 
great  fnare  in  it,  wrong  things  fuffered  to 
remain  and  prevail  under  it,  and  the  fire 
of  primitive  zeal  againft  undue  liberty, 
too  much  quenched.  We  have  no  fuch 
examples  in  the  prophets,  or  in  Chrift  and 
his  apoftles,  of  indulgence,  and  winking 
at  wrong  things,  and  falfe  eafe.  They, 
in  their  concern  to  teftify  againft  fuch 
things,  had  no  fear  of  breaking  unity, 
nor  difturbing  the  quiet  and  peace  of 
any  people,  let  their  rank  or  ftation  be 
what  it  may.  Had  this  noble  fpirit  of 
ancient  zeal  been  more  generally  exercifed 
in  plain  dealing  and  fpeaking  the  truth 
one  to  another,  the  mournful  declen- 
fion  fo  juftly  complained  of  amongft  us 
as  a  people,  would  not  have  fo  generally 
prevailed.  It  is  but  about  a  century,  fmcc 
the  Lord,  by  an  out-flretched  arm,  gathered 
our  fociety,  as  from  the  barren  mountains 
and  deiblale  hills  of  empty  profeilion ;  choofe- 
ing  them  for  Iris  own  peculiar  flock  and 
family;  as  by  many  evident  tokens  of  his 
love  and  mighty  protection,  doth  fully  ap- 
pear: even  when  the  powers. of  the  earth, 
like  the  raging  waves  of  the  fea,  rofe  up 
'-igainft  them,  with  full  purpofe  to  fcatter  and 

lay 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        173 

lay  wafte.  This  remarkable  inilance  of  his 
regard,  muft,  I  think,  gain  the  aflent  of 
every  confiderate  perfon,  who  hath  not  yet 
a  capacity  of  uiiderllanding  clearly  the 
Lord's  gi^acious  dealings  with  his  people, 
in  a  more  fpiritual  and  myfterious  relation. 
When  I  view  the  multitude  of  his  favours 
and  bleiTings  to  them  in  this  refpecffc,  I  am 
acfraid  even  to  attempt  the  recounting  and 
letting  forth'  fo  copious  and  amazing  a  fub- 
je6l,  which  can  better  be  admired,  and  the 
bountiful  author  adored  for  the  fame.  It 
may  be  juftly  queried,  what  could  the  Lord 
have  done  for  us  that  he  hath  not  done? 
Notwithftanding  which,  what  indifference, 
lukewarmnefs,  and  infenlibility  as  to  the 
life  of  religion,  is  now  to  be  found  amongfl 
numbers  under  our  name;  nay,  in  fome 
places,  this  painful  lethargy  is  become  al- 
mofl  general;  although  I  hope  a  few  may 
be  excepted,  who  are  much  affllc5led  on  that 
account,  being  exceedingly  burdened  with 
an  earthly,  carnal  fpirit.  Oh!  how  doth 
covetoufnefs  v^^hich  is  idolatry,  and  an  in- 
ordinate love  of  things,  lawful  in  themfelves 
and  places,  cloak,  ftelter,  and  hug  them- 
felves, even  under  a  plain  appearance  in 
ibme;  yet  plainnefs  is  no  m.ore  to  blame 
tor  that,  than  the  name  difciple  or  apoftle 
was  to  blame,  becaufe  Judas  once  bore  that 
name,  I  could  write  much  more  on  this 
mournful  fubjed,  having  fuuered  Co  deeply 
in  my   travels  on  account  of  the  grievous 

dccleniion  j 


174        The    JOURNAL    or 

dcclenfion ;  biit  hope  to  eafe  my  mind,  by- 
dropping  here  and  there  a  remark,  as  1  pro- 
ceed in  g  ving  account  of  my  travels. 

We  embarked  at  Dubhn  the  eighteenth 
of  the  5th  month  in  the  morning,  and 
landed  at  Peel  near  Swarthmoor-Hail  next 
day.  One  thing  I  am  not  quite  free  to 
omit,  as  I  could  not  well  help  looking  upon 
it  a  providential  prefervation  of  my  life, 
viz.  the  fands  being  very  extenfive  there- 
about, and  v^^e  happening  rather  too  late> 
as  to  the  time  of  tide-ferving,  to  be  fet  on 
fliore,  could  not,  by  the  waters  leaving  of 
us,  bring  the  boat  up  fo  as  to  land  in  time. 
We  were  thus  fet  fait,  about  half  a  mile 
from  firm  land.  We  could  therefore  think 
of  no  better  way  in  this  difficulty,  than 
accepting  the  poor  failo^s  affiilance,  which 
they  kindly  offered  us,  viz.  to  carry  us 
to  land  on  their  backs,  which -was  no  linall 
undertaking,  as  we  were,  efpecially  myfelf, 
none  of  the  lighteft;  however,  I  was  the 
firft,  and  believe  the  failor,  who  was  a 
ttrong  man,  would  have  carried  me  to  land, 
had  not  both  of  us,  in  our  journey  thither, 
fallen  into  a  large  quick- fand.  The  failor 
immediately  left  me  (his  burden)  to  fliift 
for  myfelf,  whilll  he  did  the  fame;  but 
he  had  greatly  the  advantage  of  me,  as  he 
could  fvvim,  which  I  had  never  learned. 
However,  I  was,  fome  how  or  other, 
buoyed  up  in  a  wonderful  manner,  fo  that  I 
never  was  plunged  over  head;    to   vvhich, 

perhaps^ 


I 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        175 

pcrliaps,  my  great  coat  buttoned  about  me, - 
might    in    fome    meafure    contribute.        I 
well   remember,    that  I  could  feel  nothing 
under  my  feet  but  water,  or  foft  mud  that 
could  bear  up  no  more  than  water ;  my  head 
beu:ig  all  the  while  above  water;    I  knew 
which  way  we  tumbled  in,  and  being  near 
the  bank,  I  made  fome  fhift  to  fcramble  to 
it,    and  to    chmb    up  of  myfelf.      I    then 
waded    to  the  fliore,    being  exceeding  wet 
and    dirty.      We    went  to  a  poor  cottage, 
where  the  accommodations  were  indeed  very 
mean ;  but  the  poor  people's  kindnefs  and 
hofpitality  was  very  noble,    which  we  did 
not  let  pafs  unrewarded.    We  got  that  night 
%o  my  affectionate  companion's  houfe;  hav- 
ing travelled  the  before-mentioned  journey 
with   great   diligence,     in    much    love    and 
harmony  one  with  another,    and  were  not 
quite   three  months  out   of  England.     The 
firit   meeting   I    went   to    after  we  landed, 
was    Yeoland,    as  my  companion  belonged 
to    it,    which   was   a    good  open    meeting; 
truth  being  exalted  over  wrong  things.     I 
went  from  thence  to  Lancafter,  where  I  had 
a   fatisfaclory   meeting ;    the  Lord's  power 
in  a   good  degree  having  dominion,   to  our 
comfort.     I  went   from  Lancafter   diredly 
to  Warrington,  and  was   at  Penketh  meet- 
ing in  the  forenoon,  being  firft-day;  where 
the  Lord  was  plealcd  to  favour  us  with  a 
precious    opportunity,    truth  being  exalted 
over  all,  and  the  fmcere  travellers  Sionward 

greatly 


176        The    JOURNAL    of 

greatly  comforted,  in  the  fweet  enjoyment 
6f  the  Lord's  prefence,  which  was  livingly 
felt  amongft  us.  Praifes  to  his  holy  name 
for  ever!  In  tlic  afternoon  w^e  had  a  large 
meeting  at  Warrington,  where  it  appeared 
my  duty  to  fit^  in  filence;  the  want  of 
which,  properly  employed,  proves  a  great 
lofs  to  our  ibciety  in  many  places.  1  went 
next  day,  accompanied  by  my  worthy  friends' 
Samuel  Fothergill  and  William  Dilworth^ 
in  order  to  be  at  Marfden- Height  yearly- 
meeting,  and  to  vifit  my  kind  friends  there- 
about. I  attended  Marlden  week-day  meet- 
ing on  fifth- day,  which  was  fatisfac^lory. 
On  the  firft-day  following,  the  yearly-* 
meeting  was  held,  to  which  came  a  large 
collection  of.  friends  from  parts  adjacent, 
and  a  pretty,  many  people  ot  other  perfua- 
fions.  The  Lord  was  pleafed  to  exalt  hig 
glorious  truth  and  the  tellimony  thereof, 
in  a  free  and  open  manner  that  day,  to  the 
comfort  of  many  hearts.  I  went  from  thence 
to  Todmorden,  and  fo  to  Manchefter,  being 
accompanied  by  my  affedionate  friends 
Jonathan  Raine  and  his  wife.  At  Man- 
chefter we  had  an  open  comfortable  meet- 
ing, truth  having  dominion ;  v/herein  alone 
the  upright-hearted  can  rejoice,  with  joy 
unfpeakable  and  full  of  glory.  I  went  to 
Oldham  meeting  on  firft-day;  which  was 
in  a  good  degree  open,  and  1  hope  fervice- 
able.  The  next  day  I  travelled  to  my  wor- 
thy  friend  Jofliua  Toft's  near  Leek;    had 

a  meet- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        177 

a  meeting  there,  in  which  I  found  it  my 
place  to  fit  the  whole  time  in  fi]ence< 
From  thence  I  travelled  towards  Birming- 
ham in  Warvvickihire,  having  my  faid 
friend  with  me.  We  attended  both  their 
meetings,  being  on  firfl-day ;  they  were 
very  heavy  and  laborious,  through  the  pre-, 
yalence  of  lukewarmnefs  in  fome,  and  un- 
due liberty  in  others;  fo  that  I  had  but; 
■yery  little  opennefs  at  either  of  the  meet- 
ings, and  was  quite  fliut  up  in  filence  at; 
one  of  them.  The  next  meetings  wq  had 
were  at  V/iganfal  and  Atherftone ;  but 
found  the  life  of  religion  very  low  in  them. 
The  yearly- meetings  for  the  weflerly  coun- 
ties being  to  be  held  at  Coventry,  we  went 
thither  in  order  to  attend  the  fame,  which 
began  on  firft-day,  the  fixth  of  the  fixth 
month,  1749.  The  meetings  were  held 
in  a  large  town-hall ;  conveniency  being 
made  therein  by  friends  for  the  purpofe; 
fo  that  one  room  which  was  called  the 
hall,  would  contain  by  computation,  not 
lefs  than '  a  thoufand  people ;  and  another 
under  the  fame  roof,  it  was  fuppofed 
would  contain  above  five  hundred.  We  had 
a  pretty  large  meeting-houfe  befides.  Thefc, 
I  think,  once  or  more,  v/ere  all  filled  at  one 
time.  There  was  indeed  a  great  collecftloa 
of  friends  from  many  parts,  and  very  great 
fiockings  in  of  others,  amongit  whom  there 
was  confidcrable  opennefs,  and  th,eir  beha- 
viour in  general  waS'  becoming.     The  gof- 

pel 


178     ^  The    journal    d^ 

pel  was  preached  with  power,  clearnefs* 
and  good  demonilration.  I  found  myfelf 
much  excufed  from  public  fervice,  which 
I  accounted  a  favour ;  having  greatly  to 
rejoice  in  the  exaltation  of  truth's  teflimony 
througli  well  qualified  inftruments,  of  whom 
there  were  a  confiderable  number  prefent, 
whom  I  greatly  preferred,  and  was  glad 
the  public  fervice  fell  chiefly  upon  them; 
for  I  have  ever  accounted  it  a  concern  of 
great  importance,  to  appear  by  way  of 
public  teflimony  in  thofe  large  affemblies, 
and  have  earneftly  prayed  they  might  be 
condudled  in  the  beft  wifdom;  which, 
doubtlefs,  would  always  be  the  cafe,  if  the 
fpirits  of  all  who  undertake  the  great  and 
awful  work  of  the  miniftry,  were  truly  fub- 
jecled  to  the  alone  fource  or  fountain  there- 
of: who  is,  to  his  humble  dependant  ones, 
wifdom  and  utterance.  The  meeting  ended 
on  third-day,  to  the  comfort  of  friends, 
and,  as  far  as  appeared,  to  the  general  fatis- 
fadlion  of  others;  whofe  attention  to  what 
was  delivered,  and  behaviour  to  friends  in 
general,  was  to  their  honour,  and  the  repu- 
tation of  the  city  of  Coventry.  On  fourth- 
day  there  was  a  meeting  appointed  at  my 
requeft,  in  Warwick,  to  which  I  went; 
but  when  I  faw  the  great  comings  in  of 
people ;  many  of  whom  by  their  appearance^ 
feemed  to  be  of  the  principal  inhabitants; 
I  was  pretty  much  intimidated,  and  fell 
under  difcouragemcnt  for  a  time,  know- 
ing 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        179 

ing  my  own  great  weaknefs.  My  great  fear 
Was,  leil  through  my  means,  or  that  of 
fome  others  prefent,  truth  might  fuffer. 
I  cried  with  earned  concern  to  the  Lord, 
who  feeth  in  feeret,  and  he  was  gracioufly 
pleaied  to  hear,  and  to  furniih  with  mighty 
by  his  fpirit  in  the  inward  man;  fo  that 
the  everlafting  truth  and  its  teftimony, 
was  exalted  that  day,  and  the  people  ap- 
peared to  be  pretty  much  affected  there- 
with, 

I  have  many  times  ft^cn.  it  very  profitable 
to  be  deeply  humbled,  and  awfully  prof- 
trated  before  the  almighty  povv'efful  helper 
of  his  people;  that  fo,  what  we  are  in  the 
miniftry  may  be  by  his  grace  only ;  hav- 
ing obferved,  where  the  creaturely  part  is 
not  wholly  abafed,  but  fome  fufficiency  or 
treafure  belonging  thereunto  is  yet  faved 
or  referved  (it  being  very  clofe  work  to  be 
ftrippedof  all)  there  hath  been  a  mixture 
brought  forth;  a  wearing  the  linen  and 
Woollen  garment,  and  fowing  the  field  with 
two  forts  of  grain;  and  when  any  by 
■cuftom,  their  own  unwatchfulnefs,  or  the 
negledt  of  others  whole  care  fhould  have 
•been  over  them,  become,  as  it  were,  efla-^ 
tliflied  in  this  mixture,  I  think  they  fel- 
dom  get  out  of  it  the  right  way,  by  the 
bad  being  removed,  and  the  good  preferved, 
Oh,  it  is  a  great  thing  to  ftand  fully  ap^ 
proved  in  this  foleijin  fervice.!  to  fpeak  as 
che  oracles  of  God,  and  to  minifter  of  the 
A  a  iabilipy 


i8o        The    JOURNAL    of 

ability  immediately  given  by  him.  Bleffed 
will  that  fervant  be,  who  when  his  l-Oid 
cometli,  is  found  dividing  the  word  aright, 
giving  the  flock  and  femily  of  Chrilt  their 
proper  portion  of  meat,  and  that  in  doe 
feafon. 

Having  a  defire  to  take  feme  meetings 
in  my  way  into  Wales,  whither  I  intend- 
ed in  order  to  vifit  my  dear  ancient  mother, 
I  took  the  following  meetings,  viz.  Hen- 
ley, Broomfgrove,  and  Worcefter.  I  had  ciofe 
laborious  fervice  in  them,  as  was  often  my 
^lot  where  I  travelled.  I  fpent  about  a  week 
at  my  mother^s,  having  leverai  large  tho- 
rough ferviceable  meetings  am^ongft  friends, 
my  old  neighbours,  and  acquaintance; 
their  hearts  being  tendered,  and  fome  mvich 
affected.  But,  alas !  things  are  at  a  low  ebb 
with  our  fociety  in  thoie  parts,  and  the 
conducl  of  fome  rather  adminifters  caufe  of 
itumbling  than  convincement  to  others, 
I  travelled  from  thence  to  Bewdly,  Stour- 
bridge, and  Dudley;  my  brother  Benjamin 
bearing  me  company.  I  had  good  open 
fervice  at  the  faid  meetings,  and  went  to 
Birmingham,  where  I  had  a  hard  trying 
meeting  as  before.  I  went  from  thence  to 
Hartihill  general  meeting,  being  on  a  firft- 
day.  It  was,  through  divine  favour,  an 
open  good  meeting.  I  went  the  thir^-day 
following  back  to  the  burial  of  a  friend  at 
Birmingham;  and  returned  to  the  houfe  of 
my  kind  friend  John  xJradford,  who  bore 

me 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        i8j 

me  company  next  day  to  Hlnkley  in  Lei- 
ceiiei'iliire,  where  we  had  a  pretty  open 
meeting,  and  went  to  Leiceiler,  where  the 
Lord  was  pleafed  to  favour  us  with  a  fatif- 
facl:ory  meeting.  Next  day  I  liad  a  fniall 
meeting  at  Soil  by,  things  being  very  low 
there.  From  thence  to  Caille-Dunington, 
and  had  two  meetings,  being  firft-day ;  to 
which  many  friends  from  Nottmgham  came; 
they  were  hirge,  and  I  believe  ferviceabie 
meetings  to  many.  Next  day  I  had  a  fmall 
poor  meeting  at  Wimes-Wood ;  and  went 
to  Longclawfon,  where  I  could  perceive  very 
little  of  the  life  of  religion.  From  thence 
to  Oakham  in  Rutlandshire,  and  had  a 
comfortable  meeting;  truth  and  its  tefti- 
mony  had  confiderable  dominion.  From 
thence  to  Leiceiler  quarterly-meeting;  and 
to  Kettering  in  Northamptonfliire  ;  where  I 
had  a  good  degree  of  opennefs,  and  truth 
prevailed.  Then  to .  Wellingborough,  on 
iirft-day,  and  attended  their  fore  and 
i.afcernoon  meetings ;  the  fir  ft  was  a  clofe 
'  exerciiing  time,  in  a  painful  filence,  and 
forrowfui  {hnk  of  the  indifference  and  in- 
fenfibility  of  many ;  it  was  a  large  meet- 
ing, and  to  me,  the  much  greater  part  ap- 
peared very  ignorant  of  the  importance  of 
that  worfhip  and  fervice  they  profeffed  to 
meet  about.  In  the  afternoon  I  was  favoured 
with  wifdom  and  ftrength  to  difcarge  my 
mind,  in  a  clofe  fearching  teftimony.  The 
nest  day  I  had  a*  meeting  to  pretty  good 

fatisfadioAj 


i82       The    JOURNAL    6f 

fadsfadlion,  at  Ranee.  The  day  following 
I  went  to  the  monthly-meeting  at  Ramfaj 
in  Hxmtingvionfhire,  where  I  had  good  fer- 
vice.  After  which,  had  meetings  at  Ives, 
Godmanchefler,  Erith,  and  Hadenham ; 
tnoft  of  which  were  pretty  open  and  fer- 
viceable,  through  divine  help,-  for  without 
the  Lord's  bleifmg  on  our  labours,  they 
prove  altogether  fniitlefs,  the  increafe  being 
from  him  alone.  I  went  nest  to  Milden- 
hall  in  Suffolk,  where  on  a  firft-day  1  had 
a  large  meeting  to  good  fatisfaclion.  The 
next  meetings  were  at  Burry,  and  Haverill; 
the  laft  of  which,  being  moftly  people  of 
other  focieties,  was  open,  and  the  teftinrlo- 
nles  of  truth  a|)peared  to  be  well  received. 
I  went  from  thence  to  Saffron- Walden  in 
Effex^  and  had  a  very  painful  afflidling 
meeting :  very  little  to  be  felt  of  the  life  of 
religion  therein.  Oh !  what  pity  it  is,  fo 
many  up  and  down,  do  fatisfy  themfelves 
with'  a  profeffion  of  truth  ;  only  having  a 
name  to  live^  when  they  are  really  dead,  as 
to  the  quickenlngs  of  heavenly  virtue.  The 
next  meeting  I  had  was  at  Stebblng ;  where- 
in we  were  fa\^oured  with  the  opening  of 
the  living  fountain  in  a  good  degree;  yet 
there  appeared  to  me  to  be  fome  obdurate 
unfaithful  fpirits  under  our  profeffion,  who 
feemed  out  of  reach  in  a  forrowful  degree, 
and  very  hard  to  be  made  fenfible  of  the 
weight  and  importance  of  our  religious 
tertunonies;     efpecially*  in   fome    branches 

thereof* 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        183 

thereof.     Such  caufe  a  fecret  pain  and  an"* 
guiili,   which  covers  the  minds  of  poor  tra- 
vellers  in  the  work  of  the  gofpel,  like  un- 
.to    the    fackcloth    underneath.       I    feldona 
^found    room    and    opportunity    to    put    it 
-wholly  off,  though  I  was  frequently  favour- 
;ed  with  a   comfortable   evidence,     that   the 
^(Lord  was   with  me,  gracioufly  owning  my 
'ifervice   for   him   and    his   people.      At  the 
-next   meeting   at  Coggelhall,  on  firft-day,  I 
had  clofe,  fearching,  laborious  fervice,  and 
found    fomething    exceeding  heavy  in  that 
meeting;  yet,  by  divine  favour,  I  was  car- 
ried through  to  a  good  degree  of  fatisfacftion. 
Next  day  1  had  a  meeting  at  Kelvedon,  and 
another  the  day  following  at  Witham.     At 
both  which,    my  labour  in  teftimony  was 
very  clofe  and  roufing;    in  order,     if  pof- 
fible,  to  awaken  and  (fir  up  lukewarm,  un- 
faithful profefTors ;   and  by  the  bleiTed  effi- 
cacy of   the  vv^ord  of   life,    the  wholefbmc 
dodlrine  of  truth  was  fet  over  them,    and 
the  few  upright-hearted  had  relief.     I  went 
from  thence  to  Chelmsford,    where    I   had 
good  open  fervice  at  their  week-day  meet- 
ing,   and  alfo  on  the  fir  ft- day   following: 
notwithftanding  which,    a  fecret    pain   ac- 
companied my  mind,  occafioned,  in  a  great 
meafure  no  doubt,  by  thofe  unfaithful  pro- 
felTors  before  hinted  at,    who  have  neither 
courage  nor  fidelity  to  maintain  any  branch 
of  our  Chriftian  teftimony,  when  there  ap- 
pears any  probability  of  outward  lofles,  or 

fuffering 


184        Thf    journal    of 

fiiiferirg  thereby:  dealing  with  our  princi- 
ple in  a  very  lax,  indifferent  manner,  tak- 
ing what  they  pleafe,  and  iacrificing  the 
rell  to  their  own  felfifh  views ;  fuch  are  as 
fpots  in  our  fealts  of  charity,  and  a  mourn- 
ful load  to  the  truly  living  in  religion : 
but  the  Lord  Almighty,  who  hears  their 
groanings,  will  in  his  own  time  grant  re- 
lief; and  thefc  Ihall  bear  their  own  bur- 
dens. I  went  from  Chelmsford  to  a  mar- 
riage at  Dunmow,  and  from  thence  to 
Roydon  in  Kerifordfhire.  Things,  as  to 
the  life  of  religion,  appeared  very  low  there; 
I  had  nothing  to  minifter  unto  them  but 
an  example  of  filence.  Next  I  had  a  meet- 
ing at  Baldock,  which  was  low  and  rather 
painful.  I  went  from  thence  to  Hitching, 
and  was  at  their  firli-day  meetings.  They 
were  prety  open  and  iatisfadlory.  From 
thence  to  Ampthill,  where  things  appeared 
low.  Then  to  Hogftyend,  where  1  had 
fome  opennefs  and  lacisfadion :  at  Shering* 
ton  I  had  a  low  painful  meeting.  The 
next  meeting  I  had  was  at  Northampton, 
which  w\as  a  very  trying  time;  but  the 
Lord,  by  his  powerful  word,  gave  me  do- 
minion in  a  good  degree,  over  dark,  liber- 
tine Ipirits:  things,  as  to  true  religion, 
feemed  almofi:  loft  there.  The  next  meet- 
ing was  at  Bugbrook,  where  I  had  fome 
opennefs,  and  got  through  my  fervice  to 
pretty  good  fatisfadion.  From  thence  to 
Coventry,    and  was  at   their  paeetings  on 

firft- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        185 

firft-day :  in  one  v/hereof,  1  had  clofe  fearch- 
ing  labour;   I   was  filent  in  the  other.     The 
riLXt  meeting  was  at  Edington,   which  was 
fmaii,    and   things   but  low.     1  went  from, 
thence  to  a  marriage  at  South-Newton.     I 
found    it    my    place  there  to  fit  the  whole 
meeting  in  filence.     The  earneft  expectation 
of  people,  efpecially  on  iiich  occafions,  may, 
and  I  believe  often  does,  obilrucl  the  cur- 
rent   of  right  miniftry.      Silence,    if   duly 
coniidered,    may  be   the   bell  lellbn  of  in- 
ilrudlion,  for  thofe  whofe  life  is  too  much 
in  words  or  outward  declarations.     I  have 
thought  fome  amongft  us   are  fo  void  of  a 
right  underftanding,  as  to  apprehend  a  kind 
of   neceffity  for   fomething   to  be  done  by 
way  of  miniftry,  at  marriages,  and  funerals- 
efpecially;    it  being  hard  for  them  to  ap- 
prehend,   that  they  can  be  fo  honourably 
condudled   without.      I  have  therefore  ob- 
ferved  fome,    though  but   little   concerned 
in  the  general,  to  maintain  our  teftimonies 
by  an  uniform  confiftent  deportment,  appear 
very    zealous  on  thefe  occafions;    taking  a 
deal  of  pains,  and  riding  many  miles,  and 
fometimes  from  one  preacher  to  another,  to 
make  themfelves  fure  of  having  one;   and 
when    they   have  been  fo   fuccefsfiil   as   to 
prevail   upon   any    to    come,    it   would    no 
doubt  be  a  grea.t  difappointment,  were  they 
wholly  filent.    In  this  fituation,  the  minifter 
himfelf  may,  unlefs  well-grounded,  be  ex- 
pofed  to  temptation  to  gratify  fuch.      My 

principal 


i86        The    JOURNAL    of 

principal  view  in  this  remark  is,    to  fliew 
how  remote  fuch  are  from  the  truth   they 
profefs,  and  how  nearly  allied  to  fome  other 
profeiTors   of  Chriftianity,    who    make    re- 
ligion chiefly  confift  in  outward    perform- 
ances ;     and    think    it    not   like  a  Chriftian 
burial,    when   a  corpfe  is  committed  to  the 
earth   without  fomething  faid  over  it.      If 
that  over-anxioufnefs  in  the  people,   above 
tinted,    fhould   prevail    on    the    preachers 
amongft  us,  to  anfwer  their  cravings   and 
expeftations,  both  in  attending,  and  when 
there,  in  gratifying  them  with  words,  with- 
out   a  due  regard  to  the  holy  weight  and 
impreffions  of  the  word  of  life,  as  the  alone 
moving  caufe  to  public  fervice,  they  would 
be  loft  as    to  the  living   body    in   the  fo- 
cietyj    and    although  fuch  might  continue 
in   a  coniiftent  form   of  found  w^ords  and- 
found  doflrine,  as  to  the  external  appear- 
ance,   yet  the  fubftance  being    loft,     their 
performances   would   be  no  more  than   as 
founding    brafs,     or    a    tinkling    cymbal. 
Some,    to  our  forrow,    have  been  obferved 
to  lofe  ground  by  fuch  means:    what  can 
we  imagine  more  offeafive  to  the  gracious, 
bountiful   giver,    than  to   proftitute  fuch  a 
precious  divine  gift,    by   making  it  llibfer- 
vient  to  the  carnal  unfancflified  defires   of 
thofe  who  are  ftrangers   to  God,    yet  love 
tOL  hear  of  him  and  his  glorious  adls,     by 
the  hearing  of    the  ear?     From  this  place 
I  went  to  Huoknorton,  and  had  a  meeting ; 

wiiereia 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        187 

wherein  my  bufinefs  was  to  example  with 
lilence.  I  then  v/ent  to  Sibtbrd,  where  I 
had  a  meeting,  and  fome  opennefs ;  yet  things 
were  but  low.  From  thence  to  Banbury, 
and  attended  their  meetings  on  a  fir  ft- day. 
I  had  open  thorough  fervice  in  them,  and 
the  teftimony  of  trutii  was  in  a  good  degree 
exalted.  Next  day  I  went  to  South-Newton 
again,  where  I  had  great  opennefs,  and  truth 
was  comfortably  in  dominion.  Much  fatif- 
fadlion  is  received  by  following  the  fafe 
guidance  and  conduft  thereof,  whether  in 
heights  or  depths,  fufFerings  or  rejoicings^ 
I  h;id  a  good  meeting  next  day  at  a  place  I 
forgot  the  name  of;  and  then  to  Adderbury, 
where  I  had  a  meeting;  things  but  low. 
From  thence  to  Bicefter,  and  had  a  fmall 
poor  meeting;  there  being  but  very  few 
under  our  profefTion,  and  but  little  to  be 
felt  of  the  life  of  religion  amongft  them. 
My  face  being  now  turned  towards  the  ci::y 
of  London,  I  had  a  fmall  meeting  at  Aylef^ 
bury,  and  fome  open  fervice  therein  to  my 
fatisfaclion.  There  are  but  few  friends 
thereabout.  I  went  to  their  hrft-day  meet- 
ing at  Jordans,  wliicli  was  large:  my  fervice 
therein,  was  to  example  the  people,  friends 
and  others,  with  iiience;  w  iich  I  believe 
was  a  confiderable  difappoinrmeat  to  many; 
but  I  hope  it  was  profitable  to  fome.  Di- 
vers   friends    from    London   met  me  there. 


Aye  lodge 

:d  thai 

t  night  at  a 

friend's  houfe  on 

ilic  w^ay. 

and 

got   to  the 

city 

next  day. 

I 

B  b 

continu! 

zd 

i88         The    JOURNAL    of 

continued  thereabout  three  weeks,  vifiting 
meetings  diligently  every  day  in  the  week, 
except  the  laft,  and  one  more.  It, was  a 
very  painful  time  of  deep  fuftering  in  fpirit, 
even  beyond  all  expreffion.  I  was  as  a  lign 
of  iilence  from  place  to  place,  efpecially 
at  Grace-Church-Street  meeting;  which, 
doiibtlefs,  was  a  great  my  fiery  to  many. 
But  it  was  my  way  to  peace  of  mind,  and 
I  fought  after  contentment,  though  it 
might  occafion  me  to  be  accounted  a  fool, 
by  the  lofty  towering  fpirits  in  that  city, 
who  may  juftly  be  compared  to  the  tall 
cedars  of  Lebanon.  I  left  London  the  1 9th 
of  the  loth  month,  1749,  to  vifit  the  fol- 
lowing meetings,  viz.  Hertford,  and  St. 
Albans,  where  our  friend  Benjamin  Kidd 
met  me,  and  accompanied  me  to  Hemp- 
fhead,  Wickham,  and  the  quarterly-meet- 
ing at  Oxford.  The  meeting  there  for 
worfliip  was  excedingly  diflurbed  and  hurt 
by  a  rude  company  of  fludents,  who  came 
in  like  a  flood,  and  allowed  little  or  no 
llillnefs,  till  by  breaking  up  the  meeting 
they  difperfed;  by  which  means,  we  held 
the  meeting  for  difcipline  and  good  order, 
in  a  quiet  peaceable  manner.  After  meet- 
ing I  went  to  Witney ;  where  next  day  I 
had  a  very  painful  exercifing  time,  not  only 
imder  a  fenfe  of  vmdue  liberties  prevailing, 
but  alfo  of  an  exalted  felf-righteous,  felf-fuf- 
iicient  flate;  than  which,  none  are  harder 
t®  be  reached  unto,  or  made  any  impreffion 

upon : 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         189 

upon:  my  bufinefs  was  to  fit  in  filent  fuffer- 
ing  with  the  oppreffed  feed.  I  went  next 
to  Burford,  where  there  feemed  to  me  very 
little  of  the  life  of  religion.  From  thence 
I  went  to  Cirencefter,  where  my  fpirit  was 
deeply  diftrelfed,  under  a  painful  fenfe  of 
wrong  things  and  wrong  fpirits.  The  next 
meeting  I  went  to  was  Nailfworth,  v/herc 
I  had  clofe  fearching  labour,  in  teftimony 
againft  lukewarmnefs  and  undue  liberties. 
From  thence  to  the  quarterly- meeting  for 
Wiltfhire;  being  a  ftranger  and  altogether 
unexpedled  by  friends  there,  the  clofe 
fearching  teftimony  given  me  to  bear,  ef- 
pecially  relating  to  the  ftate  of  fome  aclive 
members,  might  be  better  taken,  and  might 
have  more  effe6t,  than  if  the  fame  had  conic 
from  one  better  acquainted  v/ith  their  ftates. 
I  always  coveted,  to  be  wholly  unacquaint- 
ed with  the  ftates  of  meetings  by  outward 
information,  in  all  my  travels;  and  when, 
by  the  difcourfe  of  friends  previous  to  my 
attending  them,  there  appeared  any  pro- 
bability of  their  inadvertently  opening  in 
my  hearing,  any  thing  of  that  kind,  I  have 
generally  either  flopped  them,  or  walked 
away  out  of  hearing;  but  in  general,  friends 
who  entertain  us  in  our  travels,  have  more 
prudence,  and  a  better  guard  in  thefe  re- 
ipedls;  as  indeed  all  ought:  for  it  ftrait- 
ens,  and  may  give  mnch  uneafmefs  to  right 
fpirited  minifters,  who  have  a  fure  infal- 
iibli^  gtiide  within,    and   therefore  have  no 

need 


190        The    journal    of 

need  of  any  outward  guide  or  information 
in  their  iervices.  After  this  meeting,  I 
vlfired  the  following  meetings  in  that  coun- 
ty, viz.  at  the  houfe  of  John  Fry,  in  Sutton. 
Cain,  Chippenham,  Mellliam,  Corfliam, 
Bradford,  Lavingron,  and  Salifbary,  and 
found  things  moilly  low,  painful,  and  la- 
borious to  work  through  ;  as  thofe  under 
our  profeffion  appeared  to  me,  in  too  gene- 
ral a  way,  fatisfying  themfelves  with  the 
religion  of  their  education  only ;  without 
much  experience  in  the  life  and  virtue  there- 
of, operating  upon  their  hearts.  Some,  it 
is  to  be  feared,  undertaking  to  rule  and 
a(5l  in  the  church  without  a  proper  qua- 
lification, and  fo  do  not  therein  feek  the 
honour  that  cometh  from  God  only.  Here 
the  equal  balance  a»nd  ftandard  is  not  kept 
to ;  partiallity  gets  place ;  men  and  woman's 
perfons  are  refpe(5led,  becaufe  of  riches  or 
outward  fubftance:  true  judgment  is  per- 
verted ;  wickednefs  efcapes  cenfure,  to  the 
affeciing  the  wdiole  community,  as  in  the 
cafe  of  Achan.  Such  things  provoke  the 
Lord,  (who  is  the  only  ftrength  and  defence 
of  his  people)  to  withdraw.  They  then  be- 
come languid;  their  hearts  become  water, 
and  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  prevail 
againft  them,  till  they  are  in  the  end  made 
dclblate.  The  next  meetings  I  had  were 
Andovcr,  Whitchurch,  Bafingftoke,  and 
Alton ;  having,  through  divine  help,  had 
fome    profitable  fervice,     tending  to    w^arn 

and 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         191 

and  excite  friends  to  a  more  diligent  and 
careful  difcharge  of  the  feveral  duties  their 
ftations  required:  but  I  could  not  help 
viewing,  with  fbme  painful  reflexions,  a 
lukewarmnefs  and  declenfion  which  for- 
rowfully  prevails  in  many  places.  At  Alton, 
which  is  a  large  meeting,  I  found  fome 
folid  weighty  friends,  to  whom  my  fpirit 
was  nearly  united ;  having,  in  the  main, 
good  fatisfadlion  and  opennefs  amongft 
them ;  with  fearching  clofe  fervice  to  the 
unfaithful;  in  which  I  was  favoured  with 
the  comfortable  help  of  upright  fpirits, 
whofe  fincere  travel  is  maintained  for  an  in- 
creafe  of  faithful  labourers  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard  and  the  reftoring  of  ancient 
beauty. 

Now  did  my  deep  And  painful  labours  in 
this  vifit  begin  to  wear  off,  and  to  draw 
towards  a  period,  as  far  as  related  to  my 
travels  at  this  time,  in  Great-Britain  and 
Ireland.  I  therefore  foon  expec^led  a  full 
difcharge,  as  I  then  faw  little  before  me, 
fave  the  city  of  London.  I  had  meetings  at 
Godalming,  Guilford,  and  Eflier,  in  my 
way  thither;  in  which  I  had  fome  fervice  to 
my  own  fatisfacftion,  and  I  hope  to  the  help 
of  friends. 

I  continued  in  the  city  fome  time,  vifit- 
ing  meetings  with  diligence.  My  mind 
being  deeply  exercifed  as  ufual  in  a  painful 
travel,  with  and  for  the  fuffering  feed  of 
God  in  the  hearts  of   profeflbrs,    who   to 

me 


192        The    JOURNAL    of 

me  appeared,  in  too  general  a  way,  living, 
moving,  acfling  and  breathing,  in  an  airy 
exalted  region  above  it.  I  have  often  been 
ready  to  fay,  By  whom  fliall  Jacob,  the 
true  feed,  arife  ?  for  he  is  very  finall  in  the 
efteem  and  regard  of  profelTors  of  moft 
ranks.  Yet  I  could  fee  an  afRicted  fuffering 
remnant,  lie  very  low,  as  under  the  ruins, 
panting,  and,  as  it  were,  ftruggling  for  life. 
And  although  we  could  fee,  and  knew  one 
another,  and  travelled  together  under  a  de- 
gree of  the  fame  painful  feeling  fenfe  of 
things;  yet,  not  having  it  in  our  power  to 
relieve  one  another,  our  proper  bufinefs  was 
to  travel  under  our  refpe(ftive  burden,  un- 
til the  Almighty  Deliverer  Avas  pleafed  to 
appear,  calling  his  fuffering  ones  to  domi- 
nion and  rule  with  him,  who  is  Lord  of 
Lords  and  King  of  Kings:  for  the  Lamb 
and  his  followers  fhall  have  the  vidlory; 
-though  they  are  permitted  fometimes  to  fuf- 
fer  long.  I  had  then,  at  times,  faith  to 
believe  he  would  raife  the  dry  bones,  and 
they  lliould  (land  upon  their  feet ;  an  army 
to  fight  the  Lord's  battles ;  to  bring  the 
mighty  from  their  feats,  and  to  take  the 
crowns  of  fome  who  feemed  to  reign  as 
kings,  from  them;  making  their  nakednefs 
appear.  Surely  the  complaints  of  the  Lord, 
by  the  mouth  of  his  prophet  concerning 
Krael,  was  mournfully  verified  in  the  city 
of  London,  refpetling  a  great  part  of  the 
ibciety,  viz.  ^'  My  people  have  committed 

*'  two 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        193 


«( 


two  great  evils ;  they  have  forfaken  me 
*'  the  fduntam  of  living  w^aters,  and  hewn 
"  them  out  cifterns,  broken  cifterns  that 
"  can  hold  no  water."  Such  is  a  profeffion, 
though  of  the  truth  itfelf,  without  the  real 
pofreifion.  Such  is  truth  in  notion,  fpecu- 
iation,  and  imitation  only.  The  fame 
may  be  faid  of  whatever  is  done  in  religion, 
without  the  immediate  influence,  direftion, 
and  leadings  of  the  holy  author's  fpirit  and 
power.  Sound  dodlrine  may  be  preached, 
as  to  words  and  the  main  fcope  thereof, 
and  true  principles  imbibed  from  education, 
tuition,  or  other  outward  means;  yet  the 
man's  part  being  alive,  adlive,  and  always 
ready;  the  child's  and  fool's  ftate,  that 
knows  its  fufficiency  for  every  good  word 
and  work  to  be  immediately  received  from 
God  alone,  is  neither  experienced  nor  abode 
in.  "  For  it  is  not  you  that  fpeak,  but  the 
*'  fpirit  of  your  Father  that  fpeaketh  in  you, 
*'  or  by  you."  I  fay,  without  this  living  fcnk 
of  things,  all  is  but  a  broken  ciilern ;  it  will 
hold  none  of  the  water  of  life;  which  is  the 
real  caufe,  that  the  endeavours  and  feeming 
zeal  of  fome  for  the  promotion  of  religion, 
are  fo  dry,  infipid,  and  inefficacious.  Truth 
will  carry  its  own  evidence.  The  fpring  of 
aclion  being  the  holy  fpirit  of  Chrift, 
it  will  gain  the  affent  of  all  his  children, 
a'nd  aniwerhis  pure  witnefs  in  the  hearts  of 
the  rebellious,  f^ir  beyond  what  many  con- 
ceive  or  imagine.     Upon    which    I  would 

julfc 


194        The    JOURNAL    of 

juft  obferve,  that  the  only  way  to  preferv^ 
the  ftrength,  glory,  and  dignity  of  a  reli- 
gious fociety,  is  for  all  who  undertake  to  be 
aclive  in  it,  certainly  to  feel  the  Lord  lead- 
ing and  direcfting  them  in  all  their  fer- 
vices;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  the  fare 
way  to  defolation  is,  when  the  aclive  mem- 
bers in  religious  things  move  therein  by 
the  ftrength  of  human  abilities  only.  A 
great  deal  depends  hereon,  more  than  fome 
are  aware  of;  it  is  obfervable,  that  the  pre- 
fervation  of  the  Jewifh  church  in  purity, 
much  depended  upon  the  governors  and 
rulers  thereof;  and  fo  does,  and  will,  the 
profperity  and  purity  of  the  Chriftian 
church. 

I  had  very  little  opennefs  in  refpedl 
to  miniftry,  but  was  lilent  as  ufual,  from 
meeting  to  meeting.  Indeed,  my  fufFer- 
ings  in  fpirit  were  exceeding  great  and 
deep,  day  and  night,  in  that  city,  fo  that  I 
was  weary  of  this  life,  and,  as  it  were, 
fought  for  death ;  being  at  times  ready  to 
fay,  it  is  better  for  me  to  die  than  to  live. 
I  much  wondered  why  it  fliould  be  i'o ;  but 
have  fince  fceUy  it  was  in  order  for  the  fil- 
ling up  that  meafure  of  the  fufferings  of 
Chrift  allotted  to  me,  which  I  have  feen 
the  great  advantage  of,  with  refpecfl  to 
giving  dominion  over  thofe  things  and 
fplrits,  that  were  the  caufe  of  thofe  great 
fufferings,  which  could  not  be  ftood  againft, 
nor  overcome  any  other  way.     For,  as  faith 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        195 

the  apoftle,  "  If  fo  be  we  fuffer  with  Chrift, 
"  we  fhall  alfo  reign  with  him."  And  our 
Lord  alfo  faid,  "  Verily  I  fay  unto  you, 
^'  that  ye  which  have  followed  me  in  the  re- 
*'  generation ;  when  the  Son  of  Man  fnall  fit 
"  in  the  throne  of  his  glory,  ye  alfo  ihall  fit 
*'  upon  twelve  thrones,  judging  the  twelve 
*"  tribes  of  Ifrael."  I  have  fometimes 
thought,  as  I  believe  it  may,  by  the  fore- 
going account,  appear  to  others,  that  i  was 
]ed  in  a  manner  Ibmewhat  uncommon,  to 
fee  and  feel  the  forrovvful  decleniion  of  our 
fociety,  in  my  travels  through  thefe  na- 
tions ;  though  I  am  very  fenfible,  divers 
faithful  brethren  have  fhared  in  the  Hke 
painful  travail ;  which,  in  fome  degree,  may 
be  compared  with  that  of  Nehemiah ;  who, 
under  great  anxiety  and  diftrefs  of  mind, 
entered  upon  a  long  and  hazardous  journey, 
and  went  in  the  night,  to  view  the  breaches 
and  defolations  made  in  the  city  of  the  great 
king,  before  he  and  the  people  arole  hi 
.the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  build  the  walls  of 
that  city  and  to  fet  up  the  gates  thereof. 
For  he  found  the  hand  of  the  Lord  upon 
him,  naoving  and  ftrengthening  him  to  feek 
the  good  and  profperity  of  his  own  people. 
Theie  things  are  written  for  encouragemeiit 
„and  inflruftion  to  the  painful  labourers  in 
the  Lord's  work;  that  they  faint  not  under 
the  weight  and  exercife  thereof;  nor  think 
flrange  concerning  fuch  fiery  baptifms 
and  trials   as   they  may  meet  with  in   the 

C  c  courfe 


196        The    journal    of 

courfc  of  their  travels.  They  may  be  well 
afmred,  that  fuch  things  are  all  direcled 
in  wilclom;  which,  in  the  Lord's  time, 
will  appear  to  their  full  fatisfadion  and 
comfort.  For  it  is  far  from  the  foimtaja 
of  infinite  kindnefs,  to  permit  fuch  heavy 
afiriclion  to  fall  upon  his  fervants  un- 
ncccifarily. 

1  went  from  London  into  ElTex,  in  order 
to  viftc  ibme  meetings  in  that  county,  which 
1  ]:'d  not  been  at  before,  and  was  at 
C'h:  -niL-lord  w^eek~day  meeting  on  fifth-day^ 
where  I  had  good  fatistaflion.  The  virtue 
oi"  nwh  being  flied  abroad,  to  the  joy  and 
com  for  L-  of  the  livirg.  On  the  firft-day 
fol[ovv'i]-ig  I  was  at  Cole  heller  meetings. 
My  mind  was  painfully  depreffed,  under  a 
lenie  that  truth  fuffered  much  iirthat 
place  by  wrong  things:  v/he?e  evil  is  wink- 
ed ar,  and  undue  liberties  in  a  religious 
IbcieLV,  are  fullered  to  efcape  judgment  or 
cenfare;  weakneis,  and,  as  it  were  a  cloud 
of  diirls-ncfs,  comes  over  meetings  as  well 
as  individuals.  The  Lord  was  gracioufly 
\p]eaied  for  his  bleffed  name's  fake,  to 
arill%  and  in  Ibme  good  degree,  to  difpel- 
the  darknels;  whereby  truth  and  the  tefti- 
mony  thereof,  was  exaltecl  over  all  corrupt 
uniiiiidificd  fpirits ;  and  the  few  upright- 
hcaitvxl  were  fweetly  comforted;  it  being 
a  tiiiie  of  relief  to  their  fpirits,  in  a  good 
'dtgiec,  1  went  from  thence  to  the  follow- 
ing   meetings,    vi/.  Copford,    Coin,   Hal- 

ftead, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         197 

fleacl,  and  Braintree,  wherein  I  had  tho* 
rough  fcrvice,  in  plain  dealing  and  clofe 
labour  with  the  unfaithful,  of  which  num- 
ber there  feemed  to  be  many;  and  but 
few  who  had  really  bought  the  hleifed  truth. 
It  is  fuch  only,  who  know  how  precious 
and  valuable  it  is,  and  who  cannot  eafily 
be  prevailed  upon  to  fell  it  for  a  thing  of 
nought,  nor  even  for  any  confideration 
whatever.  But  it  is  not  fo  with  thofe 
who  have  their  religion,  if  it  may  be  fo 
called,  by  education  only,  or  derived  as  it 
were,  by  way  of  inheritance  like  their  outr 
ward  poiieffions,  from  their  anceftors.  The 
principles  of  religion  only  thus  received 
and  held,  are  often  fubjecled  to  temporal 
conveniency  and  worldly  intereft.  \Vhere 
the  world  and  true  religion  ftand  in  com- 
petition with  each  other,  fuch  profelfors 
will  foon  give  place  to  the  world ;  wherein 
they  do  really  deny  Chrift  before  men,  and 
will  as  certainly,  milefs  they  repent,  be 
denied  by  him  before  the  Father  and  his 
holy  angels.  I  returned  out  of  Eflex  to 
London;  for  though  I  had  had  but  little 
opennefs  as  to  miniftry  there,  yet  I  found 
my  mind  engaged  to  attend  their  meet- 
ings, as  I  apprehended,  in  order  to  fufferand 
travail  with  the  true  feed,  for  its  enlarge- 
ment, as  well  as  to  be  a  figa  and  example 
of  the  important  duty  of  fijence,  to  the  pro- 
feCfors  of  truth.  They  had  been  long  and 
greatly  favoured    with    living    teftimonies, 

even 


igS        The    JOURNAL    or 

even  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  pre-* 
cept ;  under  all  which,  for  want  of  a  pro- 
per application  and  improvement  thereby, 
the  fociety  declined,  and  the  ancient  beauty 
thereof  greatly  faded  away ;  I  mean,  in 
what  relates  to  the  life  and  fpirit  of  reli- 
gion in  the  practical  part  thereof;  for  the 
body  of  the  fociety  every  where,  as  far  as 
ever  appeared  to  me,  are  remarkably  one  in 
faith  and  profeiiion,  the  fame  which 
hath  been  held  and  profefFed  by  us  a^ 
a  people,  from  the  beginning.  This  won- 
derful onenefs  and  agreement  amongft  us 
every  where,  (which  1  have  not  obferved, 
neither  do  I  believe  it  is  to  be  found  amongfl 
any  other  fet  of  Chrifiians,  to  that  degree,) 
is  to  me  a  clear  evidence,  that  the  original 
foundation  thereof,  was  the  one  infallible 
fpirit  of  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord,  who  prayed 
the  father,  that  his  followers  might  be  one, 
as  the  Father  and  the  Son  are  one.  And 
notwithftandirg  great  numbers  in  our  fo- 
ciety are  reiting  fatisfied  with  an  empty 
profeffion,  and  by  their  unfaithfulnefs,  fall 
greatly  Ihort  of  the  dignity  our  worthy  pre- 
decefTors  attained  unto;  which,  conlidering 
the  abundant  favours  bellowed  from  time 
to  time,  for  the  help  and  prefervation*  of 
the  fociety,  is  caufe  of  deep  mourning  and 
fore  lamentation;  yet,  there  has  been, 
through  the  kind  providence  of  God,  from 
the  beginning  down  to  this  time,  a  living 
body,  preferved  the  fame  in  faith  and  prac- 

tice.5 


JOtll^    GRIFFITH.        199 

tice  vv^ith  our  ancients.  Thefe  are  fcatter- 
ed  and  interfperfed  throughout  the  whole 
fbciety  like  the  fait  thereof,  in  order,  if 
poffible,  that  all  may  be  feaibned.  I  think 
there  are  very  few  if  any  meedngs,  wholly 
deftituce  of  fome  of  that  fort;  fo  that  I 
would  not  have  it  underftood,  by  the  fore- 
going mournful  complaints,  (although  there 
may  be  jufl  caufe  for  them)  that  I  think 
the  fociety  is  become  defolate,  or  that 
the  glory  is  departed  therefrom:  far  be  that 
from  me;  I  am  fully  convinced  to  the  con^ 
trary,  and  at  times  have  faith  to  believe, 
the  glory  v/ill  never  wholly  depart,  nor 
fhall  we  ceafe  to  be  a  living  people:  yet  I 
believe,  numbers  under  our  profeilion,  for 
their  great  unfaithfulnefs  and  unfruitful- 
nefs,  will  be  blowed  upon  by  the  Lord,  and 
rejedl^d,  and  others  called  into  the  vine- 
yard, who  will  be  more  diligent  and 
faithful. 

After  I  had  continued  fome  time  in  the 
city,  apprehending  myfelf  nearly  clear  of 
further  fervice  at  this  time  in  thefe  na- 
tions ^  and  that  I  might  with  fafcty  look 
out  for  an  opportunity  of  returning  to  my 
outward  habitation  in  America ;  I  therefore 
applied  to  the  brethren  here,  for  a  certifi- 
cate of  my  travels,  &c.  which  they  readily 
granted ;  fetting  forth  their  unity  with  my 
fervices  and  demeanor  under  this  weighty 
engagement.  But  as  no  fuitable  opportu- 
uity  appeared  likely    to  prefent  for  fome 

tim^ 


aoo        T  TT  E    JOURNAL    o  e 

time,  I  had  leifure  to  look  into,  and  care- 
fully to  weigh  an  affair  of  great  importance, 
which  had  by  this  time  fo  far  prevailed 
on  my  attention,  that  I  was  afraid  wholly 
to  rejecl  it,  as  I  had  a  confiderable  time 
done  on  its  firft  darting  into  my  thoughts ; 
looking  upon  it  almoil  impradicable  :o  be 
brought  about:  which  was,  entering  into 
a  married  ftate  with  my  endeared  friend 
Frances  Wyatt,  before^  inentioned.  Al- 
though I  never  had  any  other  objection  to 
it,  than  our  both  being,  as  far  as  appeared 
then  to  me,  fettled  in  our  places;  from 
which  I  thought  it  would  be  very  uiifafe, 
without  the  beft  counfel,  to  re-iiove.  But 
that  obje(5lion  was  wholly  removed,  by  my 
way  opening  (as  I  thought)  with  great  ciear- 
nefs,  to  fettle  in  England  or;  account  of 
ray  future  fervice.  I  was  deeply  concerned 
in  my  mind  to  be  rightly  guided  herein ; 
which  was  anfwered  lo  indifputably  clear 
to  my  underftanding,  that  1  could  no  longer 
helitate  about  it.  The  next  thing  was, 
fettling  matters  relative  tliereunto  with  my 
faid  friend ;  that  fo,  if  fhe  found  no  objec- 
tion, our  marriage  might  be  accomplifned, 
if  providence  permitted,  after  my  returning- 
home,  fettling  my  affairs  there,  and  remove-^ 
ing  in  order  to  fettle  in  this  nation.  J 
therefore  laid  the  whole  before  her,  as 
things  relating  thereunto  had  appealed  to 
me,  defiring  her  folid  confi deration  thereof, 
^d  anfwer^  when  flie  was  prepared  to  re- 
turn 


JOHN    GRIFFIFH.         201 

turn  mc  one.  I  found  the  fame  powerful 
hand  which  had  removed  my  objeAions^ 
was  at  work  in  her  mind  to  remove  hers 
alfo ;  fo  thaC  fhe  could  not  be  eafy  to  put 
a  negative  vipon  the  propolal,  as  believing 
the  thing  was  right,  which  was  (till  con- 
firming to  me,  We  therefore  in  the  fear, 
and,  as  we  haJt  caufe  to  believe,  in  the  coun- 
fel  of  God,  engaged  with  each  other,  in  the 
relation  we  then  flood,  and  to  accomplifli 
our  marriage,  when  way  fhould  be  made  by 
divine  providence  for  the  fame.  We  had  no 
view's  on  either  fide  for  worldly  advancement: 
an  anxioufnefs  after  which  appeared  to  me 
immaterial,  as  I  was  fully  perfuaded  we 
were  directed  in  our  faid  engagement,  by 
the  wifdom  and  counfel  of  him,  who  can 
give  or  take  away  outward  bleffings  at  his 
pleafure.  I  therefore  had  not  freedom,  pre- 
vious to  my  engaging  with  her  therein,  to 
make  any  inquiry  into  her  circumitances 
in  the  world.  All  which,  however,  with 
the  fuperior  bleffing  of  an  affeilionate  wife 
and  true  help-mate,  I  afterwards  found 
agreeable  and  comfortable.  Having,  as 
above,  paved  the  way  to  remove  and  fettle 
in  England,  and  a  good  opportunity  .pre- 
fenting  of  a  fliip,  in  which  feveral  valuable 
friends  intended  to  embark;  I  went  on 
board  the  Speedwell,  John  Stevcnfon  mafter, 
at  Gravefend,  the  8th  of  the  3d  month, 
1750,  in  company  with  our  friends  Jonah 
Thompfon  and  Mary  Wefton,    who   were 

going 


202        The    journal    op 

going  on  a  religious  vilit  to  the  churches  in 
America.  We  had  feveral  friends  on  board, 
and  many  other  pafTcngers,  being  fourteen 
or  fifteen  of  us  belonging  to  the  cabin  and 
ftate  rooms.  Some  of  them  were  bad  peo- 
ple, whofe  converfation  proved  very  difa- 
gret  able  to  us ;  fo  that  we  fpent  much  of 
cur  time  on  the  deck,  night  and  day,  except 
when  we  took  our  reft  in  fleep.  Our  de- 
parture was  from  the  Start  Point,  the  nth 
in  the  evening,  being  the  laft  land  feen  by 
us  until  we  difeovered  America.  We  had 
a  fine  gale  of  wind  down  the  Englifh  chan- 
nel, and  a  good  fet  off  to  fea  by  the  fame ; 
but  we  often  had  fcant,  and  fometimes  con- 
trary wunds  afterwards,  which  made  it  ra- 
ther a  flow  palTage,  though  much  quicker 
than  fome  have  gone.  The  feventeenth  of  the 
4th  month,  Vv^e  found  ourfelves  on  the 
banks  of  Newfoundland,  and  in  the  midfl 
of  near  twenty  fail  of  French  fliips  w^ho 
were  fifhing  there  for  cod.  We  fpoke  wath 
one  of  them,  who  told  us  w^e  had  about 
twenty- five  fathom  water;  whereupon  the 
captain  ordered  the  fliip  to  be  brought 
to,  that  we  might  take  fome  frefia  cod. 
This  vv^as  very  agreeable  to  us  all;  they 
fucceeded  fo  well,  that  in  about  two  hours, 
there*  lay  upon  the  deck  twenty-four  of  the 
fineft  cod  fifli  I  ever  faw.  This  proved  an 
agreeable  feaft  to  us  for  about  one  week; 
and  altho'  through  mercy,  we  had  very  great 
plenty  of  proviiions;  yet  this  was  an  ac- 
ceptably 


^     JOHN    GRIFFITH. 

ceptable  change.  It  was  the  jtb  of  the 
5th  month,  about  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, when  to  our  great  joy  we  faw  the 
land  of  America;  and  by  founding,  found 
ourfelves  in  about  twenty-five  fathom  water, 
and  entered  the  Capes  of  Delaware  that 
night.  We  had  a  profperous  gale  up  the 
bay  and  river,  fo  that  I  landed  at  Chefter  in 
Pennfylvania,  about  eight  miles  from  my 
own  houfe,  on  the  7th  of  the  5th  month 
about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and 
got  home  that  night;  having  been  on  board 
two  months  lacking  one  day,  and  from 
'home  in  the  whole  journey,  two  years, 
fcven  months,  and  eight  days;  having  tra- 
velled in  that  time  by  fea  and  land,  I  think 
on  a  moderate  calculation,  11875  miles, 
and^  w^as  at  abovit  560  meetings.  1  had  be- 
fore concluded,  wdth  divine  permiffion,  to 
return  in  the  fame  fhip,  and  left  a  large 
cheft  of  {lores  on  board.  When  difcharged 
of  her  loading,  fhe  was  to  fail  for  Mary- 
land, there  to  take  in  a  cargo  of  tobacco, 
where  I  intended  meeting  her ;  it  being 
about  feventy  miles  from  my  houfe.  In  a 
day  or  two  after  my  arrival  I  went  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, where  1  found  my  friends  gene- 
rally much  alarmed,  with  news  brougnt  by 
le Iters  in  the  Ihip  I  came  over  in  (for  they 
had  not  heard  it  befoi^e)  of  my  mtentioa 
to  return,  to  marry  and  fetile  in  Engl md. 
Many,  I  believe,  being  ignorant  of  the 
grounds  and  motives  upon  which  i  a  fled 
D  d  therein, 


204        The    JOURNAL    or 

therein,  judged  concerning  the  fame  from  the 
ovitward  appearance  only;  fuppofing  that 
having  found  one  I  hked,  I  had  let  my  mind 
out  towards  marrying,  and  made  that  the 
principal  inducement  of  my  removing.  Had 
this  been  the  cafe,  I  freely  acknowledge 
that  1  {liould  have  deferved  blame;  as  aching 
upon  a  very  dangerous  bottom  to  myfelf, 
and  fetting  an  unfafe  example  for  others  to 
follow ;  believing  fome  have  fuftained  great 
lofs,  by  inadvertent  fteps  of  this  kind,  in 
their  travels  on  truth's  account.  This  was 
what  I  greatly  feared  in  relation  to  my- 
felf, and  therefore  (as  before  hinted)  durft 
not  give  way  to  the  thoughts  of  entangling 
myfelf  therein,  until  I  had  repeatedly  (as 
I  thought  at  lead)  received  clear  evidence  J 
in  my  mind,  of  its  being  my  duty  to  re- ^ 
move  into  this  nation  for  future  fervice. 
I  do  therefore  earneflly  caution  all,  to  be 
aware  of  taking  any  encouragement  from 
my  example  herein,  unlefs  they  have  the 
fame  evidence,  and  adl  upon  the  fame  bot- 
tom as  I  did  agreeable  to  what  is  above- 
mentioned,  and  are  well  cJTured  of  divine 
direction,  as  I  was.  That  I  was  rightly 
guided  in  my  removal,  has  not  only  been 
fully  confirmed  to  myfelf  fince,  but,  I  am 
perfuaded  alfo,  to  many  others :  and  even 
at  that  time,  thofe  who  v/ere  free  enough 
to  confer  with  me  thereon,  appeared  to  be 
well  fatisiied,  whom  for  their  freedom  and 
opennefs  to  me  on  that  account,  I  looked 

upon 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        205 

upon  to  be  fome  of  my  bcft  friends ;  and 
as  to  others,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  bear 
with  patience  and  meeknefs  all  they  were 
pleafed  to  fay  and  conjecture,  until  time 
made  manifeil  who  were  in  the  right. 

I  attended  the  yearly-meeting  held  at 
Burlington,  for  Pennfylvania  and  the  Jer- 
feys,  in  the  feventh  month,  wherein  the 
Lord  was  gracioufly  pleaicd  to  overfiiadow 
our  large  affemblies  v^ith  his  heavenly 
power  and  prefence,  to  our  great  comfort 
and  edification;  having  with  joy  to  draw 
water  out  of  the  wells  of  falvation,  and  to 
offer  the  praife  and  humble  thankfgiving  to 
the  alone  fountain  thereof,  who  is  for  ever 
worthy. 

Having  fettled  my  affairs,  and  obtained 
a  certificate  of  removal  from  the  monthly 
meeting  of  Darby,  in  Chefter  county,  in 
Pennfylvania,  to  which  I  belonged,  directed 
to  the  monthly-meeting  of  Witham  in 
EfTex,  Old  England;  myfelf  and  daughter 
f^t  out  from  my  ov/n  houfe  in  Darby  aiore- 
faid,  accompanied  by  my  lifter  Mary  (who 
fince  my  wife's  deceafe,  had  been  my  good 
careful  houfe-keeper)  together  with  fevernl 
friends,  the  12th  of  the  8th  month,  1750, 
We  travelled  to  Eafl  Nottingham,  b^ing 
about  fixceen  miles  from  the  place  where 
the'  fliip  lay  in  which  I  intended  to  em- 
bark. My  filter  and  one  of  the  friends 
ftaid  v;ath  us  about  a  w.eek,  and  then  took 
their   folenin    kave.      My  daughter  and  I 

ilaid 


2o6        The    JOURNAL    oi 

flaid  thereabout  until  the  2d  of  the  9th 
month.  1  viiited  fome  meetirgs  in  the 
lie  g  ibourhood  to  good  fatisfaclion,  and 
was  at  many  in  Eail  Nottingham,  it  being  a 
very  la  g.^  meeting,  and  a  zealous  body  of 
friends  t^ien  belonged  thereto;  amongft 
whom  I  had  good  fervice  and  great  open- 
neis ;  the  precious  unity  of  the  one  fpirit 
beirg  livingly  enjoyed,  in  which  we  took 
a  fokmn  farewel  of  one  another.  The  2d 
of  the  9th  month  aforefaid  we  fet  out,  ac- 
compamed  by  divers  of  our  worthy  friends, 
and  croiTed  the  great  river  Sufquehannah, 
taking  our  quarters  at  Jacob  Giles's  houfe 
within  fight  of  the  fliip;  but  were  not  or- 
dered on  board  until  the  8th.  We  did  not 
fail  until  the  nth  at  noon.  The  unfkilful 
pilot  ran  us  a-ground  twice  that  afternoon, 
and  caufed  the  poor  failors  hard  labour 
and  much  fatigue,  .which  I  was  forry  for. 
It  was  the  18th  about  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  before  we  got  clear  of  Chefapeak 
bay;  having  then  a  fine  wmd,  we  foon  lofl 
fight  of  land. 

We  had  been  at  fea  but  about  four  days, 
w^hen  he  efpied  a  fail  or  two,  vv^ho,  by  their 
motions,  appeared  very  defirous  to  fpeak 
v/ith  us,  Avhich,  at  lenglh,  one  of  them 
belonging  to  Rhode-Iiland  effecled,  inform- 
ing us,  they  were  reduced  to  a  ve^-y  fmall 
quantity  of  provifions,  and  earnellly  intreat- 
ing  the  mailer  to  afford*  them,  fome  affiltT 
ance.     He,  to  my  grief  and  furprife,  gave 

them 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        207 

them    a    very    fliort   denial ;    allegeing  we 
were  but  newly  come  out  to  fea,    and  did 
not  yet  know   what  we    might  want  our- 
felves.     I   was  very   much    troubled   in  my 
mind  at  the  hardnefs  of  his  heart,  and  im- 
mediately   ftepped    up  to  him,    and  in   as 
moving   language  as  I  was  capable  of,  in- 
terceded for   the   poor   fufferers.     The  firft 
mate  being  a   man   of    a  good  difpofition, 
joined  with  me  herein.      We  at  length  fb 
prevailed  on   the  mafter,  that  he  gave  them, 
liberty  ..^0  hoifl  out  their  boat,    and   come 
on    board   us;    telling  them  he  would  fee 
what  could  be  done  for  them ;   which,  poor 
creatures,    they  gladly   complied  with ;  the 
mafter  of  the  fhip  and  four  of  his  failors, 
being  quickly  on  board  of  us.     It  was  very 
alFedling,  to   behold  want  fo  confpicuous  in 
their  faces,  and  to  fee  how  greatly  they  re- 
joiced,   with  thankfulnefs,    that  kind   pro- 
vidence had,  in  mercy,  caft  tis  in  their  way, 
for  their  relief;  in  which  I  coCild  heartily 
join   with   them;    much   rejoicing   we    had 
not  inhumanly    turned    them    off   vvithout 
help.     The  mafter,    (to  give  him  his  due,) 
did  at   la  ft  hand   to   them  pretty  liberally ; 
for  which  he  charged  what  he  thought  pro-« 
per,  and  took  that  mafter's  draught  for  the 
money,  on  his  owner  in  London.     I  fpared 
them   fome  out  of    my    private  ftore,    for 
which   1   wanted  no    other   pay,    than    the 
fatlsfadlion  of  relieving  their  great  wants ; 


being 


2o8        The    JOURNAL    of 

being   very    glad   I  had   been  inftrumental 
thereunto. 

The  next  day  we  had  a  great  ftorm,  and 
an  exceeding  high  fea,  fo  that  we  could 
carry  no  fail,  but  faftened  the  heim  and 
let  the  ihlp  drive  witherlbever  the  wind 
and  waves  would  carry  her:  we  were  in- 
deed mightily  tofTed ;  but  through  divine 
favour,  my  mind  was  fweetly  calm  and 
comfortable,  feeling  his  living  prefencc 
who  is  God  of  the  feas  and  the  dry  land, 
to  be  near.  My  heart  was  filled  with  the 
joy  of  his  falvaticn,  fo  that  I  could  fing 
and  make  melody  therein  to  him ;  in  which 
I  had  confirming  evidence,  as  I  many  times 
had  under  the  fame  precious  enjoyment, 
both  by  fea  and  land  after  I  left  England, 
that  my  way  and  undertaking  was  approved 
of  the  Lord,  and  w^ould  be  blelTed  and 
profpered  by  him ;  which  yielded  more  com- 
fort to  my  mind,  than  any  thing  in  this 
world  could  do.  The  fevereH  part  of  the 
ftorm  lalled  but  about  twelve  hours;  and 
altho'  we  had  two  confiderable  ftorms  after- 
wards, yet  for  the  moft  part,  it  was  a  ready 
good  paifage.  On  the  17th  of  the  lotli  month 
in  the  morning,  we  founded,  and  in  fixty- 
nine  fathom  v/ater  we  found  ground.  The 
fame  morning  about  ten  o'clock,  we  had  the 
very  agreeable  f  ght  of  England.  Next  day, 
the  wind  being  againd  us,  we  made  but  lit- 
tle advantage  of  failing.  The  nineteenth 
about  eight  o'clock  at  night,  we  came  to 

an 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         209 

au  anchor  in  Falmouth  harbour.  Going  on 
lliore  next  day,  we  went  to  an  inn  in  the 
town.  Oiir  kind  hofpi table  friend  Jofeph 
Tregellis,  came  and  invited  us  to  his  houfe^ 
where  we  had  generous  entertainment 
whilft  we  were  at  that  place.  I  was  feve- 
ral  times  at  their  meetings,  both  at  Fal- 
mouth and  Penryn,  and  had  opennefs  and 
good  fatisfadlion.  My  worthy  friends  of 
that  town,  Andrew  Hingeflon  and  his  wife, 
and  daughter,  were  afFedlionately  kind  to 
me,  which  I  cannot  well  avoid  mentioning, 
out  of  a  grateful  fenfe  I  retain  thereof,  as 
we  were  entire  fcrangers ;  for  I  had  not  been 
that  way  when  in  England  before. 

Having  been  detained  there  about  a  week, 
we  put  out  to  fea  again,  in  order  to  proceed 
to  London,  whither  we  w^ere  bound.  The 
-  fecond-day  of  our  being  out,  towards  even- 
f  ing,  as  we  were  failing  within  about  a  league 
and  half  of  Dover,  a  boat  from  thence  came 
on  board  for  letters.  The  wind  then  not 
being  fair  to  go  up  the  River  Thames,  we 
went  with  thern  to  Dover,  and  next  day  to 
Gravefend,  where  croffing  the  water  at 
Grays  in  Eifex,  I  proceeded  from  thence  to 
Chelmsford. 

My  dear  friend  Frances  V/yatt  and  I, 
after  proceeding  according  to  the  good 
order  of  friends,  accomplilhed  our  mar- 
riage with  each  other,  at  a  large  meeting 
of  friends  and  others  in  Chehnsford  meet- 
ing-houfe,    the   14th  day  of   the   then    ift 

month, 


2IO        Thk    journal    of 

month,  1 750- 1,  in  the  fwcet  and  fenfible  en- 
joyment of  his  prefence,  who  faw  in  the  be- 
ginning,   it  was  not  good   for  man    to  be, 
alone;   and  therefore  he  did,  in  great  kind- 
nefs,   provide  an  help-mate  to  be  with  him, 
who  was  bone  of  his  bone,  and  flefli  of  his 
fleih.     It  is    therefore   faid,     they   fhall   be 
no   more  twain,    but  one  flefli.     The  Lord 
then  joined  the  man  and  his  wife  together. 
Happy  would  it  have  been   for   mankind, 
had  they  never  fought,  nor  found  out  any- 
other  way  of  joining  in  that  relation  fince. 
But  as  the  fons  (or  worfliippers)  of  the  true 
God,    formerly  looked  upon  the  daughters 
of  men,  with  an  eye  that  tendeth  to  prevert 
this   ordinance,    making  it  only  aniwer  the 
bafe   ends   of  carnal  delire;    following  the 
dictates   of  their  own  evil  heart,  infl:ead  of 
the  counfel  of  God,  in  this  great  undertak- 
ing ;    ib    it   is    evidently  the    cafe   at    this 
day  with  too   many.     It  is   alfo  often  not 
fo    much   what  the  woman  or  man  is,    as 
what  worldly  fubflance  they  have.     Where 
there  is   plenty  of  that,  many  real  defedls, 
with  refpedl  to  thofe  qualifications  and  en- 
dowments   eflfehtial  to  real   happinefs  ivx   a 
married  flate,    are  over- looked.     Thus,  oy 
man's  ignorantly  and  prefumptuoully  taking 
upon  him   the  guidance  and  government  of 
himfelf,  infligated  thereunto  by  the  fubtilty 
of    Satan;     thofe   outward    accomodations, 
which   were   by   divine  providence  intended 
as  bleilings,  become  quite  the  reverfe.     To 

prevent 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        211 

prevent  fucli  unhappy  confequences  to  young 
people  and  others,  I  know  of  no  advice  bet- 
ter adapted  for  their  fafety  and  prefervation, 
than  that  of  our  Lord's,  viz.  "  Seek  ye  firll 
''  the  kingdonn  of  God,  and  his  righteouf- 
*^  nefs,  and  all  thefe  things  fhall  be  added 
*'  unto  you."     Thofe  who  have  happily,  by 
feeking,     found    this    kingdom,    and    live 
therein,    which  conlifteth  in  righteoufnels, 
peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft,  have  great 
advantage,  even  in  outward  things,  above 
all  others;    as  the  bleffing  of  God,  which 
maketh  truly  rich,  attends  all  their  worldly 
affairs.     They  enjoy  what  appertains  to  this 
life  with  a  proper  relifh.     ''  BlelTed  are  the 
*'  meek,  for  they  fliall  inherit  the  earth," 
Mat.  v.  5.     As  it  is  man's  duty  and  fafety 
to  feek  the  Lord's  counfel  and  bleffing ;  fo 
it  is  truly  honourable  amongfl:   men :    for 
this,  Jabez  was  faid  to  be  more  honourable 
than  his  brethren;  for  he  called  on  the  God 
of  Ifrael,  faying,   "  Oh,  that  thou  wouldeil: 
"  blefs  me  indeed,    and  enhugj  my  coair, 
**  and  that  thine   hand  might    be  with  me, 
''  and    that    thou    wonldefl   keep   me  froin 
^' evil,  that  it  may  not  grieve  me!"     And 
God  granted  him  that  which  he  requefled. 
Let  me  conclude  this  oblervation  with  ten- 
der advice   and  caution  to  all  whom  it  may 
concern,    into  whofe  hands  this  may  come, 
to  be  avrare  they  do  not  fall  into  that  dan- 
gerous fhare   of   fuppofing,    as  marriage  is 
an  outward  affair,  they  need  coaiult  nothing 

E  e  further 


212        The    journal    of 

further  therein  than  their  own  inclination^ 
and  their  own  reafon;  it  is  faid,  "  Woe  to 
*'  the  rebellious  children,  that  alk  counfel, 
*'  but  not  of  me,  faith  the  Lord."  And 
Chrift  is  called,  Wonderful,  Counfellor,  as 
Vsrell  as  a  miglity  God.  Now  as  marriage 
is  allowed  to  be  the  mod  important  affair 
in  this  life,  and  may  tend  greatly  either  to 
promote  our  happinefs  or  mifery  in  the 
next;  if  we  have  no  occafion  to  feek  the 
Lord's  counfel  herein,  in  what  are  we  to 
expecl  or  defire  it?  Abraham's  fervant, 
when  he  was  only  engaged  about  procure^ 
ing  a  wife  for  his  younger  mafter  Ifaac,  with 
great  earneftnefs  fought  the  Lord's  guidance 
and  blefling  therein,  and  obtained  it  in  a 
rem.arkable  manner.  What  (fay  fome)  are 
we  to  look  for,  or  to  expecl  a  revelation  in 
fuch  cafes?  We  muft  defire  the  Lord  to 
guide  and  direct  our  fteps  in  this,  and  all 
other  affairs  of  confequence  in  relation  to 
this  life,  or  we  fhall  certainly  mifs  our  way. 
But  this  we  cannot  clearly  underftand,  un- 
til the  man's  part  is  reduced  in  us,  and 
we  fee  what  we  are  without  God,  that  we 
may  find  occafion  to  pray  without  ceafing, 
and  in  every  thing  to  give  thankst  Then 
the  conflant  cry  will  be,  Guide  me  with 
thy  counfel.  When  this  is,  with  great 
iincerity,  the  flate  of  the  mind,  we  cannot 
mifs  our  way ;  becaufe  divine  protedlion  is 
CYcr  prcfent,  although  we  do  not  always 
fee  it,    no   more'  than  the  prophet's  fervant 

did. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        213 

did,  until  his  eyes  were  opened  ^.  The 
great  thing  is,  to  have  a  fmgle  eye,  that 
whatever  we  do, '  may  be  done  to  the  glory 
of  God.  When  this  is  the  cafe,  we  lay, 
if  this  or  that  be  not  agreeable  to  thy  will, 

0  God,  thou  haft  all  power  in  thine  hand ; 
do  thou,  by  thy  over-ruling  providence, 
direcT:  me  according  to  thy  bleffed  will. 
The  Lord  will  keep  fuch  in  all  their  ways, 
and  be  their  fure  defence. 

We    fettled    together  after  marriage,    at 
Chelmsford  in  the  county  of  Eilex,  where 

1  enjoyed  great  fatisfadlion  and  comfort  in 
an   afFeclionate    wife.      Yet   fuch    I   found 
the    low    and    almoft   defolate  fituation    of 
our  fociety  in  the  faid  county ;     efpecially 
in  relation  to  good  order  and  that  difciplinc 
eftabliflied  amongft  us,  by  the  power,  and 
in  the  wifdom  of  truth,  as  a  hedge  to*de- 
fend  and  preferve  from  hurtful  thingSy/that 
it  gave  me  much  painful  concern  of  "mind. 
The  difference  appearing  fo  very  great,  as  I 
had   before  reiided  where  difcipline  in  the 
general  was  well  maintained.     I  could  not 
difcover,  either  by  their  books  or  inqillry, 
that   the   unfaithful   or    diforderly   v/alkers 
had    (a   few    inftances    excepted)    been   for 
many  years  regularly  dealt  with,  and  their 
mifcondudl  cenfured,  either  by  monthly  or 
quarterly  meetings.      I   diligently   attended 
thofe  meetings,    but  my  fpiric,.  v/as  greatly 
diitreired  therein,     as  the  members  feemecl 
to  move  and  acl  in  another  element   (as  I 

may 


214        The    JOURNAL    of 

may  fay)  than  that  I  had  been  accuftomed 
to,  in  managing  the  weighty  affairs  of  the 
church.  The  firft  thing  of  importance 
that  laid  hold  of  my  mind,  as  wanting  to 
be  reformed,  was  rehiting  to  women's  meet- 
ings; there  being  no  fuch  held  quarterly, 
nor  at  but  few  of  the  monthly  meetings ; 
and  where  there  was  any  thing  of  that  nature 
it  was  of  little  or  no  fervice,  in  the  manner 
then  held.  Having  therefore  the  advices 
and  directions  of  the  yearly-meeting,  rela- 
ting to  women's  meetings,  I  requefted  li- 
berty of  the  quarterly-meeting  to  read  the 
lame  therein,  wnich  I  did,  making  fuch 
remarks  thereon,  as  appeared  to  me  then 
jieceifary.  At  the  fame  time  I  propofed, 
that  the  meeting  fhould  take  that  weighty 
affair,  of  ellablilhing  women's  quarterly  and 
monthly  meetings,  agreeable  to  the  repeat- 
ed preffing  advices  of  the  yearly-meeting, 
into  Iblid  confideration ;  and  if  it  was 
thought  proper,  that  a  few  friends  might 
be  appointed  to  form  fome  general  direc- 
tions for  the  affiflance  of  our  women  friends, 
pointing  out  to  them  (as  for  want  of  oppor- 
tunity, they  were  pretty  much  ftrangers 
thereunto)  ho^  fuch  meetings  are  to  be 
conduced,  and  the  part  of  church  difci- 
pline  that  properly  comes  under  their  no- 
tice, and  requires  the  management  of  the 
women.  All  which  was  agreed  to,  and 
minuted.  The  propofed  dirc6tions  were  pre- 
pared by  the  friends  appointed,  brought  to 


th; 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        215 

die  next  quarterly-meeting,  and  there  agreed 
to.      The    women   having  previous  notice, 
withdrew    at  the  clofe  of    the  meeting  of 
worfhip,    into    an    apartment,     to    receive 
what  we  had  to  lay  before  them,  and  una- 
nimoufly    agreed  thereunto.       A  quarterly 
pieeting  of  women  friends  being  then  efta- 
bliflied,  preffing  advice  was  fent  by  minute, 
to  monthly  meetings,    that  they  ftiouKi  en- 
courage   and  eftablilli    women's    meetings 
amongft   them    alfo,    which   was  complied 
with.      And  although  our  women  friends, 
for  want  of  being  brought  up  by  their  an- 
ceftors   in   the  management    of    the    difci- 
pline,    might   be    rather   unexperienced   at 
firll,  yet  I  am  well  afTured,  this  ftep  tended 
much  to  enlarge  our  meetings,  and  to  make 
them  more  lively ;  opening  the  way  of  fin- 
cere    travellers    to    a    fuller    enjoyment   of 
fpiritual  good,  wherein  alone  is  our  ability 
for  every  good  word  and  work.     Some  few, 
from  a  right  fenfe  of  the  importance  of  the 
work,  joined  me  in  an  earned  labour  for  a 
general   reformation,    and   as    we   felt    the 
weight  of  things  upon  our  minds,  we  gave 
up  to  vifit  monthly-meetings,    to  help  the 
weak,    and  to    move    forward   the    wheels 
of  difcipline,  which,  efpecially  at  the  firft, 
moved  very  heavily ;    for  although  we  had 
many  in  the  county  under  our  profeilion, 
yet  few  of  them  had  their  hand^  clean  e- 
nough  to  handle  the  afiairs  of  the  church; 
many  being,    as  it  were,   crippled  widi  uiv- 

faithfulnefs, 


2i6        The    JOURNAL    of 

faitiifulnefs,  efpecially  in  their  mean  and 
cowardly  compliance  with  the  anti-chrii- 
tian  demand  of  tyclies,  and  things  of  that 
I  nature,  which  of  itfelf  unfits  for  fervice 
amoii^it  us;  for  I  never  faw  much,  if  any, 
true  living  zeal  for  the  caufe  of  God,  in 
thofe  who  have  fallen  into  this  defedlion. 
Oh!  the  darknefs  and  caufe  of  tumbling  it 
has  occafioned  in  this  poor  county,  and  in 
other  places  where  it  hath  prevailed.  Wc 
found  ourfelves  concerned,  repeatedly  to 
vifit  fuch  in  their  families,  labouring  in 
Chriftian  love,  to  bring  them  into  a  kni^t 
of  the  inconliitency  of  their  condvict  with 
their  profeffion  therein ;  which  labour, 
though  prevalent  with  fome,  hath  been  no 
other  wife  fuccefsful  in  general,  than  the 
difcharge  of  that  duty,  which  one  mem- 
ber of  a  religious  community  owes  to  ano- 
ther; and  by  bringing  the  judgment  of 
truth  in  fome  degree  *bver  them,  they  be- 
came more  diftinguilhed  from  the  faithful. 
We  had  great  peace  in  this  labour,  though 
hard  and  unpleafant,  as  we  found  them 
dark  and  difficult  to  be  reached  unto,  a  few 
excepted.  However,  thcfe  endeavours  great- 
ly tended  to  exalt  truth's  teftimony,  for 
which  our  worthy  predecefFors  deeply  fuf- 
fered.  In  procefs  of  time,  through  the 
bleffed  affiflance  of  our  holy  head,  en- 
gaging a  fmall  remnant  to  labour  in  the 
monthly  and  quarterly-meetings  for  a  re- 
formation, good  order  hath  been  much  pro- 
moted. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        217 

moted,  and  our  Chriftian  difcipline,  in  its 
feveral  branches,  has  been  in  a  good  degree 
put  in  pradice;  and  fome  came  to  under- 
ftand,  it  is  neceffary  to  receive  wifdom  and 
flrength  from  God,  for  the  maintaining 
that  work.  So  that  although  things,  in 
that  refpecft,  through  the  unfoundnefs  and 
lukewarmnefs  of  many  profeflfors,  are  now- 
low,  yet  the  Lord  continues  to  be  gracious, 
in  affording  us  the  bleffed  affiftance  of  his 
holy  fpirit,  both  in  our  meetings  for  divine 
worfhip,  and  thofe  for  difcipline ;  whereby 
fome  are  enabled  in  meeknefs  to  labour  for 
the  maintaining  his  caufe,  notwithftanding 
the  difcouragement  they  meet  with,  not  only 
from  a  view  of  the  languid  (late  of  the  io- 
ciety  in  general,  but  alfo  from  the  brittle 
jealous  fpirits  of  fome.  Having  laboured 
in  our  own  county,  according  to  ability 
received  of  God  (for  without  his  divine  affift- 
ance, I  have,  by  long  experience,  known 
I  could  do  nothing)  I  attended  the  yearly- 
meetings  in  London  as  they  fell  in  courfe, 
therein  to  join  with  the  fincere  travellers 
for  Sion's  profperity,  in  the  important  care 
of  truth's  affairs  throughout  the  world. 
This  weighty  engagement  coming  more 
upon  fome  of  us  than  heretofore,  as  many 
of  the  elders  and  faithful  labourers  were  re- 
moved to  rheir  reft.  Our  valuable  friends 
John  Churchman  and  William  Brov/n  from 
Pennfyivaaia,  were  at  feveral  of  the  firft 
yearly- meetings    after   my    fettling    in  this 

nation. 


2i8        The    JOURNAL    of 

nation.  They  laboured  in  thefe  nations^ 
in  the  fervice  of  truth,  near  four  years, 
having  left  affedlionate  wives  and  children 
for  truth's  fake.  Such  noble  difinterefted 
endeavours,  without  any  view  towards  tem- 
poral intereft,  is  a  very  great  mydery  to  the 
worldly  wife.  The  above  named  friends 
were  great  and  good  inftruments  in  the 
Lord's  hand,  not  only  at  the  yearly- meet- 
ings, but  alfo  in  their  travels  up  and  down, 
for  the  promotion  of  difcipline  and  good 
order  in  the  churches ;  though  not  without 
confiderable  oppofition  from  fome,  who, 
under  pretence  of  a(5ling  for  the*  good  of 
the  fociety,  were  in  reality  advocates  for 
undue  liberty.  Notwithflanding  fome  fuch 
difficulties,  the  Lord  hath  greatly  ftrength- 
ened  the  hands  of  his  pained  ones  for  Sion's 
welfare,  and  blelTed  his  work  to  the  pro- 
moting of  good  order,  as  the  likelieil  means 
of  reviving  ancient  beauty  and  comelinefs ; 
there  having  been  great  ftirrings,  and  much 
Jabour  of  late  years,  to  bring  the  feveral 
members  of  the  fociety  into  the  holy  order 
of  the  gofpel.  May  the  Lord  yet  continue 
the  bleffing  of  wifdom  and  Urength,  that 
the  work  may  be  carried  on,  to  the  praife 
of  his  worthy  name  and  the  prefervation 
of  his  people,  is  the  earneft  prayer  of  my 
foul  J 

I  fet  out  the  i6th  of  the  6th  month,  1751, 
intending  to  take  fome  meetings  in  my 
way    to   the    circular     yearly-meeting    fbr 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        2i^ 

the  weftern  counties,  to  be  held  at  Broomf^ 
grove  in  Worcefterlhire,  and  from  thence 
to  vifit  the  meetings  of  friends  in  Wales, 
I  firft  went  to  the  burial  of  a  friend  at  Steb- 
bing,  and  proceeded  through  Walden,  Cam- 
bridge, and  Huntingron,  to  Wellingbo- 
rough in  Northamptonlhire ;  and  attended 
both  their  meetings  on  a  firft-day ;  having 
clofe  earneft  labour,  in  a  fenfe  of  great 
dullnefs,  and  much  infenfibility  prevaihng 
on  many  profeffors.  My  fpirit  was  greatly- 
burdened  therewith ;  bitt  the  Lord  was 
pleafed  to  arife,  and  difpel  the  darknefs  in 
a  good  degree,  giving  me  thorough  fervice, 
efpecially  in  the  afternoon ;  I  hope  not  eafily 
to  be  forgot.  I  went  away  greatly  relieved^ 
and  had  a  meeting  at  Coventry,  which  was 
heavy  and  laborious,  though  I  was,  through 
divine  favour,  enabled  to  wade  through  to 
mine  own  eafe,  in  a  good  degree;  I  had  a 
good  open  meeting  that  evening  at  Nun- 
Eaton;  there  being  but  one  family  of 
friends  in  the  town,  but  a  large  number  of 
others  were  at  the  meeting ;  divers#of  whom 
feemed  pretty  much  affedled  with  the  tefti- 
mony  of  truth.  I  had  a  clofe  exerciiing 
meeting  the  next  day  at  Atherftone,  where 
things  were  very  low,  yet  truth  arofe  and 
opened  do(5lrine  for  their  help.  I  had  a 
meeting  that  evening  at  Polefworth,  which 
was  open  and  comfortable.  From  thence 
I  went  to  Woolverhampton,  'where  I  had 
a  fmall  meeting,    things   being   very  low^ 

F  f  .  After 


220        The    JOUPvNAL    of 

After  which  I  went  to  Colebrook  Dale^ 
where  I  had  a  meeting,  and  clofe  thorough 
fervice,  tending  to  ftir  up  friends  to  dih- 
gence,  as  well  as  to  encourage  the  upright- 
hearted.  I  went  from  thence  to  Shrewf- 
bury :  the  number  of  profelfors  there  was 
very  fmalj,  and  the  Hfe  of  rchgion  very 
much-  deprefTed,  not  only  by  the  lukewarm- 
nels  of  fbme,  but  alfo  by  a  blafting,  windy, 
lifelefs  mini  (try,  which  they  had  long  iat 
under;  doubtiefs,  to  the  great  uneafinefs 
of  the  few  fenfible  amongft  them.  I  had 
a  painful  fenfe  of  the  great  hurt  thereof 
in  that  meeting,  being  concerned  to  fit  the 
v^hole  meeting  through  in  filence,  I  be- 
lieve, as  an  example  to  friends,  and  rebuke 
to  that  forward  unfan6lified  fpirit:  the 
fame  foon  after  was  made  manifeft  to  both 
friends  and  others,  to  be  very  corrupt,  and 
was  defervedly  teftified  againfl  by  the 
monthly-meeting.  I  have  divers  times,  in 
.my  travels,  perceived  great  hurt  to  the  pro- 
fperity  of  truth,  by  fuch  unfancftified  pre- 
tenders to  a  divine  commiffion,  intruding 
thqmfelves  int6  the  miniftry ;  but  always 
have  apprehended  them  a  bad  fort  of  people 
to  deal  with  by  advice  and  caution,  as  th^y 
are  commonly  very  pofitive  and  felf- willed; 
being  Iddom,  in  this  declined  ftate  of  the 
church,  without  a  party,  who  had  rather 
have  almoft  any  kind  of  miniftry  than 
filence;  which  makes  it  much  more  difficult 
for  thole  who  have  a  right  fenfe  of  their 

fpirits, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        221 

fpirits,  to  bring  the  judgment  of  truth  over 
fuch;  as  thofe  above-mentioned  are  apt 'to 
fcreen  them,  and  cover  their  heads,  unlets 
they  manifefl  themfeWes,  w^hich  hath  in  the 
end  frequently  happened,  by  their  being 
guilty  of  fome  mimoral  condu6l.  I  went  af- 
ter meeting  to  vifit  two  friends,  who  had  been 
imprifoned  there  a  confiderable  time  for 
refuling  to  pay  tythes.  As  foon  as  I  had 
entered  the  place  of  their  confinement,  I 
feniibly  felt  the  Son  of  peace  was  there.  My 
mind  being  brought  into  great  nearnefs, 
unity,  and-  Chriftian  fympathy  with  them 
in  their  fuifering  ftate,  which 'they  appear- 
ed to  bear  witii  chearfulnefs,  and  true  re- 
fignation  to  the  divine  will.  The  fenfc  of 
the  great  importance  of  that  teffimony  they 
"were  concerned  to  maintain,  by  fuflering 
for  it,  and  what  our  worthy  predeceiTors 
we  jt  through,  in  nafty  (linking  prifons  and 
dungeons,  where  many  of  them  ended  their 
days  in  fupport  thereof,  who  may  be  very 
juttly  numbered  amongft  the  faithful  mar- 
tyrs of  Jefus  Chrift,  overcame  my  mind 
with  tendernefs  to  that  degree,  that  I  could 
not  prefently  difcourfe  with  them  about 
their  fufFerings.  We  had  a  blefTed  oppor- 
tunity together,  and  took  our  leave  of  each 
other,  in'  the  fweet  enjoyment  of  the  pure 
love  of  God.  Oh,  how  much  more  joyous 
and  refrefliing  it-  is  to  viht  fuch  faithful 
fufferers,  than  to  vifit  carnal  profelFors  of 
the  fame  truth,    who  violate  that  precious 

tcftimonyj 


%zz       The    JOURNAL    of 

teftimony,  by  voluntary  putting  into  the 
priefts  mouths,  left  they  ihould  prepare 
war  againft  them,  making  religion  bow 
down  to  their  fuppofed  temporal'  intereft, 
thereby  not  only  declaring  themfelves  mere 
pretenders  thereunto,  but  alfo  increafing  the 
Juiterings  of  thofe  under  the  lame  profeffion 
wno  dare  not  temporise!  I  returned  from 
thence  to  Colebrook  Dale,  where  I  had  a  hard 
trying  meeting  held  in  filence ;  and  went 
to  Bumingham,  where  1  had  divers  times 
been  beiore,  and  generally  had  painful  la* 
borious  meetings ;  but  now  it  pleafed  divine 
goodnefs  to  favour  with  opennefs  and  good 
auri.ority,  to  declare  the  truth  largely;  I 
beheve  to  the  Itirring  up  of  the  carelefs,  at 
leaft  to  a  prefent  lenfe  of  their  duties ;  as 
well  as  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  the 
honelt-hearted,  to  my  own  peace  and  great 
relief.  From  this  place  I  went  to  Broomf- 
grove,  in  order  to  attend  the  yearly-meet- 
ing before- mentioned,  which  begail  on  firft- 
day,  the  ift  of  the  7th  month,  being  held 
in  a  barn,  fitted  up  by  friends  for  that  pur- 
pofe:  it  ended  the  third-day  following; 
many  miniltring  friends  attended  it,  fome 
of  whom  were  largely  opened  by  the  power 
and  wifdom  of  truth,  to  publilh  the  gof- 
pel  tidings  with  clearnefs  and  good  demon- 
"ftration.  The  people,  though  numerous, 
biding  generally  very  ftill  and  attentive, 
appeared  to  receive  the  teftimony  of  truth 
with  pleafure,  and  things  were  in  the  main 

well 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        223 

well  condudled.  Here  my  friend  John 
Bradford  joined  me  as  a  companion.  We 
had  a  large  meeting  at  Worceller  on  fourth- 
day,  in  v\liich  truth  had  comfortable  domi- 
nion, efpecially  near  the  concluiion,  to  the 
great  fatisfadlion  and  joy  of  many  hearts. 
Blelfed  be  the  Lord  our  God,  for  his  con- 
tinued favours  to  his  people !  On  the  iifth- 
day  we  had  a  fmall  poor  meeting  at  Broom- 
yard  in  HerefordlTiire ;  things  being  very 
low  in  that  place,  as  to  truth  and  friends. 
On  fixth-day  we  had  a  meeting  at  Leomin- 
fter;  the  fore  part  was  very  cloudy  and 
painful,  yet  by  the  gracious  fpringing  up 
of  light  and  life,  I  got  through  my  fervice 
therein  to  good  fatisfac5lion.  The  next  day, 
being  the  feventh  of  the  week,  I  went  to 
my  dear  mother's  in  Radnorfliire.  On 
firft-day,  the  neighbours  being  apprized  of 
my  being  come,  flocked  to  the  Pales  meet- 
ing in  abundance.  The  Lord  was  pleafed 
to  favour  me  with  a  large  open  time,  to 
declare  his  everlafting  truth  amongft  them, 
with  which  they  appeared  to  be  much  af- 
feded.  I  had  fuch  another  opportunity 
with  friends  and  many  others,  at  Talcoyd, 
near  my  mother's  houfe.  They  feemed 
greatly  afFedled  with  the  virtue  of  truth; 
but  I  doubt  they  flumble  at  the  crofs.  On 
fecond-day  we  had  a  meeting  at  a  place  cal- 
led the  Coom,  about  fix  miles  from  my 
mother's,  pretty  open  and  comfortable. 
On  fourth-day,  the  i  ith,  I  took  leave  of  my 

worthy 


224        The    JOURNAL    of 

worthy  affectionate  mother,  relations  and 
friends  thereabout,  having  my  brother  Ben- 
jamin for  our  guide  over  the  bleak  moun- 
tanis  into  Carojganfliire.  The  wind  blew 
hard  and  it  rained,  but  through  mercy  we 
received  very  licde  harm  thereby.  Next 
day  we  had  a  linall  poor  meeting  at  one 
Evans's^  religion  being  at  a  very  low  ebb 
in  that  place;  my  chief  bufinefs,  as  far  as 
I  could  iee,  was  to  detedl  a  vile  impoilor, 
who  had,  by  a  feigned  and  hypocritical 
Ihew,  got  the  advantage  of  the  weaknefs 
and  credulity  of  friends  there.  I  never  had 
feen  him  before,  that  I  know  of,  but  my 
fpirit  was  exceedingly  burdened  '  with  his 
deceitful  groanings  and  feigned  ag-tation 
in  the  meeting,  and  was  then  fatisiied  his 
fpirit  was  very  foul  and  corrupt,  as  it  was 
like  a  nuifance  to  me  all  the  time.  I  warn- 
ed friends  to  be  aware  of  him ;  and  to  keep 
him  at  a  dillance;  but  they  feemed  willnig 
to  hope  that  there  was  fome  good  in  him, 
as  he  appeared  fo  much  concerned  in  meet- 
ings, &c,  fo  I  faw  whereabout  they  who 
pleaded  thus  were  themfelves,  as  they 
feemed  taken  with,  and  rather  to  approve 
of  what  was  fo  very  offeniive  and  even 
odious  to  me  in  that  meeting,  viz.  his 
pretended  exercife  therein.  But  if  people 
will  lay  hold  fuddenly  on  fuch,  they  mufl 
partake  with  them  in  their  fins  ;  for  this 
mail  difcovered  himfelf  to  be  very  bad,  by 
being  guilty  of  grois  wickednefs,     I  think 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        225 

the  meeting  was  held  m  filence.  After 
which,  we  went  to  a  place  called  Penbank 
in  Carmarthenfhire,  where  a  meeting  was 
held  next  day  to  pretty  good  fatisfaftion, 
being  favoured  with  matter  and  utterance 
for  their  help;  though  things  appeared  low; 
the  fame  day  in  the  evening  I  had  a  very 
poor  afilicting  meeting  at  Penplace;  great 
llacknefs  and  weaknefs  appeared  in  the  few 
proferfbrs  there.  We  were  quite  filent  as 
to  public  miniflry.,  '  We  went  from  thence 
to  Carmarthen,  and  attended  their  meet- 
ings on  a  firft-day;  had  good  open  fervice 
therein,  efpecialiy  in  the  afternoon,  many 
of  the  neighbours  coming  in :  the  teftimony 
of  truth  went  forth  freely  and  largely  a- 
mongft  them,  with  which  they  appeared  to 
be  much  reached  and  affecfted;  and  might, 
I  hope,  tend  to  remove  a  prejudice  they  had 
imbibed,  from  the  mifcondu6l  of  one  or 
more,  of  high  pretenfions  lately  in  that 
place,  but  then  removed.  We  had  a  meet- 
ing on  fecond-day  in  the  evening,  at  Laugh- 
arn,  where  very  few,  if  any,  properly  of 
our  fociety,  refided;  many  of  the  neigh- 
bours came  in;  we  had  a  good  opportunity 
amongft  them,  in  the  free  extendings  of 
gofpel  love;  the  dodlrine  whereof  feemed  to 
have  a  confiderable  reach  upon  them.  On 
third-day  we  had  a  meeting  amongft  a  few 
profeffbrs  at  James-town;  it  being  -their 
harvell  time,  they  feemed  more  concerned 
about  their  corn  than  religion;  feveral  rufli- 

ing 


226        The    JOURNAL    of 

ing  out,  in  a  diforderly  manner,  to  take 
care  of  that,  as  there  was  feme  appearance 
of  rain.  It  was  with  much  difficulty  we 
procured  a  guide  to  Haverfordweft.  At 
length  we  prevailed  on  a  young  woman, 
who  feemed  to  have  the  moft  lively  fenie  of 
religion  of  any  amongft  them.  Having  a 
large  ferry  to  crofs  over  Milford  Haven,  by 
fuch  diiEculties  we  were  fo  hindered,  as 
not  to  reach  the  aforefaid  place,  until  about 
an  hour  after  the  time  appointed  for  the 
meeting,  to  our  great  uneafinefs.  This 
meeting  was,  for  the  moft  part,  held  in 
filence;  yet  near  the  conclufion,  I  had  fome 
things  given  me  to  deliver,  with  confidera- 
ble  weight  and  gofpel  authority.  I  went 
next  to  Redftone,  where  the  meeting  was 
fmall,  yet  open  and  comfortable.  From 
thence  we  travelled  to  Carmarthen,  and  next 
day  to  Swanfey,  about  thirty  miles,  being 
a  very  rough  open  road;  the  day  very 
ftormy,  fo  that  we  were  exceedingly  wet. 
Great  care  was  taken  of  us,  when  we  got 
to  our  friend  Paul  Bevan's  houfe,  fo  that, 
through  mercy,  we  received  but  very  little 
harm.  On  firft-day,  being  the  2 2d,  we 
attended  their  meetings :  that  in  the  fore- 
noon was  held  in  a  lilent  labour.  In  the 
afternoon  I  had  a  clofe  fearching  teftimony 
to  bear,  tending  to  ftlr  up  and  roufe  friends 
to  more  zeal  and  fervor  of  mind;  and  was 
favoured  to  get  through  to  fatisfaclion. 
On  third-day  we  had  a  poor  fmall  meet- 
ing 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        227 

fng  amongft  a  few  friends  at  Freeveraque. 
I  had  nothing  to  admuiifter,  but  an  example 
offilence.  We  went  after  meeting  to  Pon- 
typool,  and  next  day  had  a  precious  open 
meeting  there.  The  teftimony  of  trach 
going  forth  with  good  authority  and  clear- 
nefs,  was  exaked,  and  the  upright  in  heart 
Were  fweetly  comforted  in  the  enjoyment 
of  the  Lord's  prefence,  returning  him  the 
praife,  who  is  worthy  forever!  On  fixth- 
day,  the  27th,  we  croffed  the  Severn  at  the 
New-PaflTage,  and  went  that  night  to  the 
widow  Young's  at  Earthcott;  had  a  hard 
trying  meeting  there  next  day ;  after  which 
we  went  to  Briftol,  and  on  firft-day  the 
29th,  we  attended  three  meetings  there; 
the  two  firfl  were  held  in  a  painful  dillref- 
fing  filence,  and  the  laft  alfo,  except  a  few 
words  near  the  breaking  up  of  the  meet- 
ing. This  was  the  firfl  of  my  vifiting  that 
city,  and  a  time  not  eafily  to  be  forgot  by 
me.  It  was  indeed  a  feaiba  of  fore  mourn- 
ing and  lamentation,  in  a  fenfe  of  their 
great  declenfion.  But  very  little  to  be  {cen 
or  felt  of  that  plainnefs,  pure  fimplicity, 
humility,  and  contempt  of  the  world,  fo 
confpicuous  in  their  wortliy  predeceilbrs, 
who  tramj»led  upon  the  glory  of  this  world, 
counting  all  as  drofs  and  dang,  in  compa- 
riibn  of  the  liniles  of  the  Lord's  counte- 
nance, and  being  cloaihcd  with  the  beauti- 
ful garment  of  his  falvation.  Oh,  how  vi^as 
the  choi^ell  vine  planteci,  made  to  fpread, 
G  g  and 


228        The    JOURNAL    of 

and    mightily    to    profper,    through   great 
Ihfferings  and  perfecntion,  in  that  city,  in 
early  times;    futlkiently,  one  would  think, 
to  have  deeply  eftabliflied  the  permanency 
thereof,    and  to  have  recommended  its  fu- 
perior  dignity  and  excellency  to  many  ge- 
nerations!   May  not  that  of  the  apoftle  to 
the  Galatians,    be  juftly  applied  to  them  r 
viz.  "  O  fooiifli  Galatians!  who  hath  be- 
*'  v^itched  you,    that  you  fliould  not  obey 
*'  the  truth?  Before  whofe  eyes  Jefus  Chrift 
*'  hath  been  evidently  fet  forth,    &c.     Are 
*'  ye  fo  foolifh,  having  begun  in  the  fpirit, 
''  are  ye  now  made  perfect  by  the  flefh?'* 
I  parted  with  my  companion  at  Briftol, 
!and    turned    my    face   homewards,    taking 
meetings  in  my  way  to  London,  at  French- 
hay,  Corfliam,  Chippenham,  Cain,  and  Read- 
ing; in   all  which  I,  had  confiderable  open- 
nels,  largely,  and  with  good  authority,   to 
publifli  the  docftrine  of  truth,  to  mine  own 
peace,    and  I  hope  to  the  comfort  and  help 
of  many ;  though  in  fome  places  my  fpirit 
was  much  pained  with  a  {Qn{h  of  prevail- 
ing indifference  and  lukewarmnefs,  in  this 
day  of  eafe  and  outward  plenty;    On  feventh- 
day,  the  5th  of    the  8th  month,    I  got  to 
London,  and  (laid  their  meetings  on  firft- 
day.      After  which  I  returned  home,    and 
found  my  dear  wife  and  family    well,    to 
our  mutuiil  comfort;   being  thankful  to  the 
kind  hand  of  providence,     whofe  o;oodnefs 
attends    thole    who  truft  in  him,     both  in 

heights 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        229 

heights  and  depths ;  takuig  care  of  their 
bodies,  fouls,  and  thofe  oat  ward  benefits  he 
hath  bountifully  favoured  them  with;  af- 
fording real  comfort  therein,  witli  his  blef- 
fing,  which  maketh  truly  rich,  and  adds 
no  forrow  with  it.  I  was  out  this  journey 
about  eight  weeks,  and  travelled  about  740 
miles,  having  been  at  about  forty  meetings. 

I  have  preferved  very  little  or  no  account 
of  fhort  journies  and  fervice  in  this  and 
the  adjacent  counties;  in  which,  however, 
I  was  divers  times  engaged  to  labour,  both 
at  quarterly  and  other  meetings,  for  the  re- 
viving ancient  zeal  and  diligence.  But,  alas! 
the  inordinate  love  of  worldly  enjoyments, 
good  in  themfelves,  covers  the  minds  of 
many  profeflbrs,  like  thick  clay,  who  are 
exceeding  hard  to  be  made  fenfible  of  the 
chiefeft  good,  fo  that  I  have  often  feared 
fome  of  them  will  not  hear,  until  the 
Lord  is  provoked  to  fpeak,  with  a  louder 
voice,  in  judgment,  which  they  will  not- 
be  able  to  tarn  afide  from,  or  any  way  to  fliun. 
Many  in  our  fociety,  as  in  others,  having 
departed  from  the  life,  reft  fitisfied  in  a 
profefTion  of  religion:  fome  alfo  have  de- 
parted from  the  power  and  form  too,  in  a 
great  degree;  neither  appearing  one  thing 
nor  another.  Could  they  fee  themfelves 
as  judicious  perfons  fee  them,  (liame  and 
confufion  of  face  would  cover  them. 

The  next  confiderable  journey  I  have  any 
account  of,  was  entered  upon  the  27th  of 

the 


230         The    JOURNAL    OP 

tlie  8th  month,  1753,  in  order  to  vifit 
friencis  in  fome  parts  of  YorklTiire,  Lanca- 
illire,  Weftmoreiand,  &c.  I  nriet  fome 
fr  e  ids  at  Wakien,  who  with  myfelf  were 
a;) pointed  by  the  quarterly-meeting  to  vific 
t  )at  monthly  meeting  for  their  help.  I 
vas  largely  opened  in  the  meeting  of  wor- 
fliip, .  to  fet  forth  the  beauty,  order,  and 
excellent  harmony  of  the  feveral  members 
in  the  church  of  Chrift ;  and.  truth  had 
confiderable  dominion  therein,  to  our  great; 
comfort,  as  it  prepared  our  fpirits  for  clofe 
and  painful  labour  with  wrong  fpirits  in  the 
meeting  of  bulinefs,  who  had  the  boldnefs 
to  plead  the  payment  of  tythes  to  be  juf^ 
tifiable,  becaufe  required  by  the  laws  of 
the  land;  not  confidering  the  grofs  abfur- 
dity  of  making  human  laws  to  be  preferred 
before  the  laws  of  Chrift,  however  contrary 
thereto,  and  enjoined  as  an  abiblute  rule  for 
Chriftians;  unlefs  they  fuppofe  it  impoffi- 
ble  that  any  human  laws  can  be  made  con- 
trary to  Chrift's  laws,  which  is  equally  abfurd; 
as  well  as  that  fuch  an  opinion  tends  to  invali- 
date the  great  lufferings,  and  martyrdom  of 
all  thofe,  who  gave  up  every  thing  they  had 
in  this  world,  and  even  their  lives,  rather 
than  a'dlively  comply  with  the  laws  of  the 
land,  when  they  believed  them  inconfiftent 
with  the  nature  of  Chriftianity,  and  therefore 
a  tranigreiiiou  of  God's  law.  But  the  ground 
of  that  milapprchenfion,  which  fuch  reafon- 
ers  i'lill  into,    appears   to   be   upon  a  pre- 

fumption, 


I 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        231 

fumption,    that  the  fource   of    property  is 
in  the  law,  viz.  that  the  laws  of  the  land 
can  alienate  the  right  of  one,  without  ren- 
dering him  any  equivalent,  and  give  it  to 
another,  who  had  no  right  therein  before: 
whereas    right    and  wrong  are  immutable, 
and   cannot    be    altered    by   human    laws, 
which    only    grant    people   aid    to  preferve 
and   recover  that  which  of  right  appears  to 
belong  to  them ;  fo  that  human  laws  cannot 
bind  the  confciences,  any  further  than  they 
are  confident  with  the  laws  of  God.     When 
a  fincere  Chriftian  is  perfuaded  they  enjoin 
any  thing  contrary    to  the  perfecfl  law  of 
liberty  in  his   own   mind,    he  may  not  ac- 
tively refill:,  but  pafTively  fufiTer  the  penalty 
thereof,     whereby    he    faithfully   bears    his 
teftimony    againfl    the   iniquity    of  fuch   a 
law,     and    fo    far   contributes    to     have     it 
removed.      Now  paying   tythes  under    the 
gofpel,  being  an  antichriilian,  popifli  error, 
the    laws    enjoining    their    payment    being 
grounded  upon  a  fuppofition,  that  they  are 
due   to  God   and  holy   church ;    how   then 
can  atiy  clearly  enlightened  perfon  pay  them 
in  any  Ihape,    as  he  thereby  alTents  to  that 
great  error,    and  contributes  to  fapport  it, 
to  the  great  fcandal  and  abufe  of  the  Chrif- 
tian religion,    and  that   noble,  free,  difin- 
tereited   miniitry,    inllituted  by    our   Lord 
and   Saviour  Jefus   Chrift;  whofe  direftion 
in   that   cafe   is,    *^  Freely  ye  have  received, 
"  freely  give?"     Much  more  might  be  faid 

to 


232        The    JOURNAL    of 

to  manifeft  the  abfardity  of  fuch  a  plea  for 
the  payment  of  tythes ;  but  that  I  would 
not  be  -tedious,  hoping  there  are  not  many 
amongil  us  fo  blinded  by  the  God  of  this 
world,  as  to  adopt  fuch  an  argument. 
Truth  prevailed  in  the  meeting,  and  the 
teftirnony  thereof  was  exalted  over  all  fuch 
fpirits.  Praifes  to  our  God  for  his  gracious  . 
alliftance,  mercifully  afforded  to  all  thofe 
■who  put  their  truft  in  him  alone !  I  pro- 
ceeded on  my  journey,  and  had  meetings 
at  Godmanchefter,  Oakham,  and  Leicefter; 
I  had  clofe  fearching  labour,  in  order  that 
carelefs,  lukewarm  profeffors  might  be  ftir- 
red  up,  and  awakened  to  a  fenfe  of  their 
ftates.  The  teftirnony  of  truth  alfo,  flow- 
ing forth  at  times,  as  a  refreftiing  ftream  of 
encouragement  to  the  mourners  in  Sion, 
and  fincere  travellers  thitherwards.  From 
thence  I  went  to  Nottingham,  and  had  a 
meeting;  the  Lord  graciouily  favouring 
with  wifdom  and  utterance,  to  divide  the 
word  aright  to  the  ieveral  ftates  of  thofe 
prefent.  Truth  greatly  prevailed,  overfha- 
dowing  the  meeting  to  the  rejoicing  of  tnany 
hearts.  Next  day  1  had  a  fmall  meeting 
at  Furnefs  in  Derbyftiire,  wherein  I  had 
clofe  labour  with  indolent  profeffors,  who, 
negledling  their  own  proper  bufinefs,  were 
too  much  depending  upon  the  labours  of 
others,  to  their  great  lofs,  as  well  as,  that 
fuch  unwarrantable  dependance  greatly  tend- 
ed to  load  and  deprefs  the  life  in  thofe  con- 
cerned, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        233 

cerned,  making  their  exercifes  much  the 
greater.  The  next  meeting  I  had  was  at 
Matlock,  which  was  large;  the  greateft 
part  were  people  of  other  perfuafions ;  it 
was,  through  the  blefled  eflicacy  of  the 
word  of  life,  an  open  good  time,  and  the 
doctrines  of  truth  were  largely  declared ; 
ihewing,  that  the  world  by  wifdom  knows 
not  God,  as  well  as  how  and  to  whom  he 
is  pleafed  to  make  himfelf  known.  The 
meeting  was  generally  pretty  much  affedled 
with  the  virtue  of  truth,  which  was  emi- 
nently extended  that  day,  and  I  hope  would 
not  be  eafily  forgot  by  many.  I  went  from 
thence  to  SheiEeld,  and  attended  their  meet- 
ings on  firft-day,  which  were  large.  In  the 
morning  my  fpirit  was  deeply  baptized  into 
painful  fenfe  of  the  empty  formal  ftate  of 
fome,  as  alfo  the  undue  liberties  of  many 
others.  I  was  made  willing  and  refigned 
to  go  down  into  fufferings  on  their  ac- 
count; that  if  it  pleafed  the  Lord,  I 
might  be  the  better  qualified  to  adminifter 
effedually  to  their  feveral  ftates,  as  experi- 
ence hath  taught  me  repeatedly,  that  I  could 
not  fpeak  feelingly  to  mankind  for  their 
help  and  recovery,  any  other  way.  x\t  the 
afternoon  meeting  I  was  largely  concerned 
to  lay  their  feveral  ftates  open  before  them ; 
it  was  a  bleffed  and  feafonable  opportunity, 
tending  much  to  their  avv^akening  to  a  {qpSq 
of  duty,  and  I  think  it  may,  with  thank- 
fulnefs,    be  faid,  truth  was  oyer  all.     The 

next 


234        THiE    JOURNAL    oP 

next  meeting  I  had  was  at  Highflats,  which 
was  large,  there  being  a  numerous  body 
of  plain  friends,  as  to  the  outward  appear- 
ance, belonging  thereunto.  It  was  a  labo- 
rious meeting,  bu.t  through  divine  favour, 
there  was  flrengdi  afforded^  to  lay  before 
them  in  a  dole  preffing  manner,  the  great 
danger  of  reding  contented  in  a  decent  form 
of  religion  without  the  life  and  power 
thereof.  I  hope  it  was  a  profitable  time  to 
many.  I  went  from  thence  to  Brighoufe 
meeting,  wherein  matter  and  utterance  were 
given,  tending  to  roufe  the  indolent,  and 
to  encourage  the  truly  concerned  for  truth's 
profperity.  The  next  meeting  was  at  Rau- 
den,  which  was  very  large  and  open,  and  the 
teflimony  of  truth  had  great  dominion.  I 
had  a  pretty  open  meeting  next  day  at 
Bradford;  after  which  I  went  to  vilit  a 
friend  who  was  very  low  and  weak  in 
body,  few  expedling  her  recovery.  I  felt 
the  pure  virtue  of  the  holy  anointing  with 
her,  and  had  it  given  mc  to  fignify,  that  I 
did  beUeve  the  Lord  v;ould  raife  her  up  for 
further  fervice,  which  accordingly  caine  to 
pafs.  I  went  from  thence  to  Leeds,  and 
attended  their  meetings  on  firft-day.  In 
the  forenoon  the  teftimony  of  truth  was 
greatly  exalted,  in  fetting  forth  the  power 
and  efficacy  of  living  faith :  it  was  a  glori- 
ous time,  truth  being  over  all.  In  the 
afternoon,  it  was  thought  feveral  hundreds 
attended,  moftly  of  the  people  called  metho- 

dilts. 


i 


JOHN-   GRIFFITH.        235 

difts.  I  was  quite  fhut  up  as  to  minifliy, 
I  thought,  in  order  to  fet  an  example  of  the 
important  duty  of  filence  to  friends  and 
others.  The  meeting  concluded  with  an 
awful  folemnity,  which  I  hope  was  profit- 
able to  many.  I  went  from  thence  to  Skip- 
ton,  where  the  meeting  was  large,  and  the 
power  of  God's  eternal  truth  went  forth 
in  a  fearching  awakening  teftimony,  as  well 
as  in  a  refrefhing  ftream  of  confolation  to 
thofe  who  flood  in  need  of  encouragement 
in  their  travels  towards  the  city  of  God. 
I  hope  it  was  a  profitable  time  to  many.  I 
had  a  fmall  meeting  next  day  at  Airton ;  it 
was  a  heavy  painful  time  of  filence  in  the 
fore  part ;  but  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  ap- 
pear, and  afford  ability  to  fearch  fome  bar- 
ren profeffors,  by  opening  their  ftates  to 
them,  with  which  they  feemed  fomewhac 
affected ;  but  alas !  how  hard  it  is  to  reach 
efFedlually  unto  thofe  v/ho  are  fettled  as 
upon  their  lees,  living  in  a  ftate  of  mind 
that  can  refl  fatisfied  in  an  empty  profeffion. 
Next  day  I  had  a  pretty  large  meeting  at 
Settle:  there  I  found  the  life  of  religion 
much  deprelTed  with  an  earthly  formal 
fpirit ;  but  through  divine  goodnefs,  truth 
arofe  and  prevailed  over  it  for  the  prefent, 
and  was  exalted,  as  being  the  one  thing 
needful.  I  went  from  thence  to  J^otherf- 
dale,  where  I  had  a  very  large  meeting ; 
the  Lord  enabling  me,  otherwife  a  poor 
helplefs  creature,    to  bear  a  thorough  tefli- 

H  h  mony. 


236        The    JOURNAL    of 

monv,  fuited  to  the  various  ftates  of  thofe 
prefent ;  and  his  glorious  name  was  exalted 
above  every  name.  From  thence  I  went  to 
the  houfe  of  my  beloved  friends  Jonathan 
and  Margaret  Raine,  at  Trawden ;  whom, 
for  their  tender  regard  to  me  when  I  want- 
ed fuccour  both  for  body  and  mind,  I  have 
heretofore,  more  than  once,  had  occafion 
to  make  mention  of;  as  likewife  of  the 
Ecroyd's  family.  We  greatly  rejoiced  in 
the  opportunity  of  one  another's  company 
once  more;  truth  having  nearly  united  us 
in  our  former  acquaintance.  I  (laid  there- 
about fomething  more  than  a  week,  attend- 
ing feveral  meetings  there  and  at  Marlden 
Height;  wherein,  efpecially  at  fome  of 
them,  the  Lord  was  eminently  with  us, 
opening  the  w^ells  of  faivation,  that  we 
might  drink  together,  and  fmg  praifes  to 
him  the  fountain  of  all  good.  I  had  great 
opennefs  in  my  fervice  amongft  them;  and 
we  took  our  leave  of  one  another  in  a  fv/eet 
fenfe  of  God's  love  uniting  our  hearts  one 
to  another.  On  fecond-day,  the  firft  of 
the  icth  month,  I  fet  out  for  Lancafter, 
in  order  to  be  at  their  qtiarterly- meeting, 
being  accompanied  by  my  friend  Jonathan 
Raine.  I  w^as  at  their  monthly-meeting 
there  on  third-day,  where  I  had  fome  con- 
(iderable  fervice.  Fourth-day  in  the  morn- 
ing was  held  their  meeting  of  minifters  and 
elders;  which  was  to  comfort  and  edifica- 
tion.    1  found  myfelf  concerned  to  fet  forth 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        237 

die  nature  of  true  gofpel  miniftry ;  as  alio, 
to  point   out   fome  dangers   which   might, , 
without  a  fteady  care  and  watchfuhiefs,  at- 
tend  thofe   excrcifed   therein.       It   was,     I 
hope,  a  profitable  opportunity  to  fome  pre- 
fpnt.     The  fame  day  was  held  the  quarter- 
ly-meeting,   wherein  the  Lord  was  graci- 
oufly  pleafed,  according  to  his  wonted  good- 
nefs,  to  appear  for  the  help  of  his  fincerely 
concerned  labourers;  as,  bleffed  be  his  wor- 
thy name,    he  is  found  of  thofe  that  truly 
feek  him,  and  doth  not  fail  thofe  who  lean 
upon  him,    and  not  to  their  own  under^ 
Handing,    nor  to  former  experience  of  his 
aflifting  power  and  wifdom.  Truth  was  great- 
ly  in  dominion  and  friends  much  edified, 
the  unity  of  the  one  fpirit  being  livingly  en- 
joyed.    I  went  next  day,  accompanied  by 
Samuel  Fothergill,  William  Backhouie,  and 
William  Dilworth,  to  the  quarterly-meeting 
at  Kendal.    The  fele6l  meeting  for  minifters 
and  elders  was  held  that  afcernooa ;  I  had 
fome   good    open    fervice    therein,    on   the 
nature  of  gofpel  miniftry,  and  the  myfteri-' 
ous  workings   of  Satan   in  his  transforma- 
tions.    It   was    a   time   of   edification    and 
comfort.     Next  day  was  held  the  quarterly- 
meeting;  in  the  fore  part  for  worlhip,  and 
after  for  the  difcipline  of  the  church,  w^here- 
in  I  had  fome  fervice.      Things  were  but 
low :  we  had  a  large  meeting  in  the  even- 
ing,   both  of  friends  and  others;    it  was, 
through  the  pure  efficacy  of  divine  virtue, 
a  blelfed  oppoitunity.     I  was  largely  open- 
ed 


-38        The    JOURNAL    of 

ed  in  teftimony  concerning  Chrift,  the  di* 
vine  light,  which  enhghtens  every  man 
coming  into  the  world.  It  ended  in  folemn 
prayer  and  praifes  to  almighty  God;  our 
friend  Samuel  Fothergill  being  engaged 
therein,  in  a  very  powerful  and  afFecfting 
manner*  I  ftaid  at  Kendal,  to  attend  their 
firft-day  meetings;  at  both  which,  efpecial- 
ly  th^  latter,  I  was  very  largely  opened 
to  declare  the  truth  with  power,  which 
affected  and  tendered  many  hearts,  there 
being  a  great  number  of  friends,  moftl/ 
cf  -t  younger  fort,  in  that  meeting ;  it  hav- 
ing been  itripped,  like  many  other  places 
of  late,  of  divers  fubftantial  elders.  My 
labour  was  very  carneft,  that  the  rifing 
youth  might  come  rightly  under  the  yoke 
of  Chrift,  that  they  might  be  really  pre- 
pared and  fitted  to  fucceed  thofe  who  are 
removed  hence,  having  fini£hed  their  day's 
work.  I  went  from  thence,  accompanied 
by  fcveral  friends,  and  had  a  meeting  at 
Grayrigg,  to  good  fatisfadlion.  The  tefti- 
mony of  truth  went  forth  with  clearnefs 
and  good  demonftration,  tending  to  awaken 
the  carelefs,  as  well  as  to  flrengthen  and 
encourage  the  honeft-hearted.  I  returned 
to  Kendal,  and  went  next  day,  accompa- 
nied by  many  friends,  to  a  general  meeting 
at  Windermooi*.  The  Lord's  blelTed  power 
was  livingly  felt  in  that  meeting,  whereby 
I  was  enabled,  from  the  exprcflions  of  our 
Lord   to   Nicodemus,    to    Ihew   the  necef- 

fitr 


JOHN  GRiFFiFH.        239 

dty  of  regeneration  or  the  new  birth;  ^ 
docflrine  highly  neceffary  to  be  preflingly 
recommended  to  the  youth  in  our  fociety, 
and  carefully  weighed  by  them,  left  any 
ihould  vainly  hope  for  an  entrance  into  the 
kingdom  of  God,  by  fucceeding  their  ancef- 
tors  in  the  profeffion  and  confeffion  of  the 
^truth.  A  lamentable  error!  many  I  fear 
-have  fallen  into,  imagining  they  are  God's 
people,  without  his  nature  being  brought 
forth  in  them ;  or,  as  faith  the  apoftle,  being 
made  partakers  of  the  divine  nature,  and 
efcaping  the  corruptions  that  are  in  the 
world  through  luft.  Great  opportunity 
have  fuch,  by  education,  the  writings  of 
our  predecefFors,  and  alfo  by  the  gofpel 
niiniftry  the  Lord  hath  been  pleafed  to  blefs 
our  fociety  withal,  to  colledl  and  treafure 
up  a  great  deal  of  knowledge  in  the  fpecu- 
lative  underftanding  part,  even  to  profefs 
and  Confefs  the  truth  in  the  fame  words 
QT  language  made  ufe  of,  by  thofe  who  really 
learned  it  in  the  fchool  of  Chrift.  This  is 
no  more  than  an  image  or  picture  of  the 
thing  itfelf,  without  life  or  favour;  there- 
fore an  abomination  to  the  living  God,  and 
his  quickened  people.  I  have  touched  the 
more  clofely  on  this  head,  being  apprehen- 
five  the  danger  is  very  great,  which  the  ri- 
iing  youth  are  expofed  to,  by  dwelling  fe- 
curely  and  at  eafe,  as  it  were,  in  houfes 
they  have  not  built,  and  enjoying  vineyards 
they  never , planted;  for  great  are  their  ad- 
vantages 


240        The    journal    of 

vantages  abovfe  others,  if  rightly  improved ; 
otherwife,  this  muft  fncreafe  the  weight  of 
their  condemnation.  I  have  divers  times 
looked  upon  the  mournful  condition  of  thofe 
who  truft,  as  above  hinted,  in  the  religion 
of  their  education,  to  be  aptly  fet  forth  in 
the  holy  fcriptures,  by  an  hungry  man 
dreaming  that  he  eateth,  and  behold,  when 
he  awaketh,  his  foul  is  empty.  Oh,  that 
all  may  deeply  and  carefully  ponder  in  their 
hearts,  what  they  have  known  in  deed  and 
in  truth,  of  the  new  birth,  with  the  fore 
labour  and  pangs  thereof!  1  cannot  conceive, 
if  they  are  ferious  and  confider  the  import- 
ance of  the  cafe,  but  they  will  foon  difco- 
ver  how  it  is  with  them  in  this  refped:,  by 
obferving  which  way  their  minds  are  bent 
and  thoughts  employed,  whether  towards 
earthly  or  heavenly  things.  Thofe  who 
are  born  from  above,  or  rifen  with  Chrift, 
which  is  the  fame  thing,  it  is  natural  for 
them  to  feek  thofe  things  which  are  above ; 
their  affec^lions  being  fixed  thereon.  Soj 
on  the  other  hand,  that  which  is  born  of 
the  flefh  is  but  flefh,  and  can  rife  no  high- 
er than  what  appertains  to  this  tranlitory 
world;  for  flefh  and  blood  cannot  inherit 
God's  kingdom;  and  it  is  faid,  thofe  who 
are  in  the  flefh  cannot  pleaie  God.  The 
apoftolick  advice  therefore,  is  to  walk  in  the 
fpirit;  that  is,  let  the  fpirit  of  Chrifl  be 
your  guide  and  direcfior,  how  to  order  your 
lives  and  converfation  in  all  things;  for  the 

children 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        241 

children  of  God  are  led  by  his  fpirit.  I 
hope  to  be  excufed  ii>  dwelling  a  little  on 
this  fubjecfl,  having  often  greatly  feared, 
that  the  defcendants  of  the  Lord's  wor- 
thies who  were  full  of  faith  and  good 
works,  fliould  take  their  refk  in  the  out- 
fide  of  things,  valuing  themfelves  on  being 
the  offspring  of  fuch:  a  forrowful  miftake 
which  the  |evvs  fell  into!  May  all  duly 
confider,  that  it  is  impoffible  to  be  the 
children  of  Abraham,  unlefs  they  do  the 
works  of  Abraham. 

Truth  was  greatly  in  dominion  thaC 
day,  and  many  hearts  were  much  tendered 
and  contrited  before  the  Lord;  to  whom 
be  everlafting  praifes.  Amen!  The  next 
meeting  was  at  the  Height,  where  I  had 
clofe  roufmg  fervice,  in  order  to  awaken 
carelefs  formal  profeiTors.  The  day  follow- 
ing I  had  a  large  meedng  at  Coltis,  near 
Hawkfliead;  where  I  was  favoured  with 
great  opennefs  upon  the  nature  of  true 
faith,  and  that  it  muft  be  evidenced  by  good 
works ;  for  faith,  when  only  an  alTent  or 
confent  of  the  mind  to  principles  of  reli- 
gion true  in  themfelves,  being  alone,  is 
dead,  as  a  body  is  without  the  fpirit.  The 
power  of  truth  had  great  dominion,  it 
being  a  time  not  eafily  to  be  forgot.  The 
next  day  I  had  a  meeting  at  Swarthmoor ; 
there  alfo  I  was  led  to  fpeak  largely  of 
faith,  viz.  of  hiftorical  faith,  implicit  faith, 
and  to  fet  forth  the  nature  of  that  faith 

which 


242        The    JOURNAL    oy? 

which  was  once  delivered  to  the  faints; 
being  their  vidlory  over  the  world  ancj 
all  the  corruptions  thereof.  It  works  by 
love,  to  the  purifying  of  the  hearty  and 
when  the  heart  is  made  pure,  we  can 
thereby  fee  God,  **  Bleffed  are  the  pure 
"  in  heart,  faid  Chrift,  for  they  fhall  fee 
*'  God."  And  his  apoftle  faid,  '*  By  faith 
"  we  come  to  fee  him  that  is  invifible."  It 
is  plain  from  the  holy  fcripture,  that  it  pro- 
ceeds from  a  divine  principle  in  man ;  for 
it  is  the  evidence  of  things  not  feen,  and 
the  fubftance  of  things  hoped  for.  No  man 
can  poffibly  pleafe  God  without  it.  O  that 
mankind  would  carefully  examine  them- 
felves,  whether  or  no  they  be  in  this  faith  I 
If  they  be  in  it,  they  cannot  be  ftrangers 
to  Chrift,  inwardly  revealed ;  for  he  dwells 
in  the  hearts  of  true  believers  by  faith; 
his  kingdom  being  within,  where  all  his 
laws  and  ordinances  are  difcovered,  clearly 
underftood,  and  willingly  obeyed.  No 
complaint,  when  this  faith  is  received  and 
held  in  a  pure  confcience,  of  hard  things 
being  required,  or  his  commandments  being 
grievous;  but  a  foul  endued  with  this 
powerful  principle,  can  fay  with  fincerity, 
the  Lord's  ways  are  ways  of  pleafantnefs, 
and  his  paths  are  paths  of  peace.  It  was 
a  good  time,  and  I  hope  profitable  to 
many.  The  next  meeting  I  had  was  at 
Prefton,  near  Kendal ;  there  I  was  carneft;- 
ly    concerned  to  ftir   up   friends   to   more 

faithful- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        243 

falthfulnefs   and   a    clofer   union  one  v/ith 
another.     It  was  a  laborious  time,  but  the 
blefled  truth  prevailed  and  carried  through, 
to   mine   own  eafe  in    a   good   degree.      I 
went  from  thence  to  Briggflats,  near  Sed- 
burg.    The  meeting  was  large,  and  for  fome 
time  heavy  and  afflicting;   but  it  pleafed  the 
great  Mailer  of  our  aiTemblies  to  arife,  with- 
out  whoie  gracious   help    his   poor  inftru- 
ments   can  do  nothing  to   any  good    pur- 
pofe.     It  was   a  folemn  av/akening  time;  I 
hope  to  be  remembered  by  many.     I  had  a 
meeting  next  day  at  Ravenftondale,  which  was 
a  laborious  trying  time:   my  way  was  fhut 
up  as  to  miniftry ;  friends  feemed  too  much 
at  eafe  in  a  profeffion.      V/hen  this  is  the 
cafe,    thxc  life  of  religion  is  exceedingly  de- 
preiTed ;    fo    that  thofe    who  feel   its    date, 
muft  fufFer  therewith,    until    it   pleafe    the 
Lord  to,  raife  his  pure  feed,    in  judgment 
againft  evil  in    people's   minds:    then   man 
falls  vnider  for  the  prefent,  and  confeiTes  to 
that  nam.e  or  power  given  under  heaven  for 
his  falvation.     But  alas !    he  loon  denies  it 
again,  hj  giving  vv^ay  to  a  contrary  power; 
an  enemy  to   God  and  his  own  foul.      In 
fuch  ups  and  downs,  changes  and  conflicts, 
by  the  working  of  contrary  powers  in  their 
minds,  many  weary  out  their  days  in  vain, 
becaufe  they  will  not  refolve  to  choofe  the 
good,    and  to   efchew    the  evil,    that   they 
might  be  eftabliflied  upon  the  rock  of  ages 
for  ever.     The  next  day  I  had  another  meet- 

I  i  ing 


244        The    JOURNAL    of 

ing  at  Prefton ;  it  was  a  time  of  clofe  la- 
bour, yet  through  gracious  help,  I  hope  it 
was  a  ferviceable  meeting.  I  went  from 
thence  to  Yeoland;  this  was  a  fuffering 
time,  much  of  the  teftimony  given  me  then 
to  bear,  went  forth  fharp  againft  fuch  who 
were  ftrong  and  confident  in  profeffion, 
without  real  experience  of  the  living  vir- 
tue and  holy  efficacy  of  God's  eternal 
truth,  to  quicken  and  feafou  their  fpirits. 
We  find  it  very  hard  to  gain  any  entrance 
on  fuch.  The  teftimony  is  often  felt  to 
j'cbound,  which  in  low  times  is  a  great  dif- 
couragement  to  the  poor  inftrument.  Here 
the  faith  and  patience  of  the  gofpel  mufl 
be  exercifed.  I  underflood  after  nieeting, 
that  the  flate  of  fome  prefent  had  been  re- 
markably fpoken  to  that  day,  which  tended 
to  humble  my  mind  in  thankfulnefs  before 
the  Lord,  for  his  gracious  help  and  guid- 
ance. After  thefe  exercifing  paififul  times, 
doubts  are  apt  to  enter,  and  fears  to  pofTefs 
the  mind,  lefl  we  have  been  miftaken  in 
what  we  apprehend  the  Lord  required  of 
tis  to  deliver.  (I  fay  us,  as  I  do  not  doubt 
but  it  has  been  the  experience  of  many 
others,  as  well  as  mine.)  This  ought  to 
be  carefully  guarded  againft,  left  tlie  poor 
inftrument  fmk  thereby,  below  its  fervice, 
by  giving  away  its  ftren^th  and  fure  de- 
fence. The  foul's  armour  and  weapons 
being  thus  imprudently  given  away  or  caft 
pfJJ    our  fpirits   are  weaker  than  thofe   of 

others. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         2^15 

<ithers,  and  confequently  fall  under  them 
Here  that  dominion,  in  which  there  is  ;?-bi- 
lity  to  teach,  may  be  loft.  There  is  great 
danger  aifo,  on  the  other  hand,  of  being 
too  confident  and  fecure,  as  I  have  obferved 
fome,  after  they  have  darkened  counfel  by 
a  multitude  of  words  without  right  knovv>- 
ledge,  and  exceedingly  burdened  the  liv- 
ing, appear  quite  ehearful  and  full  of  fa- 
tisfadlion,  feeming  as  if  thoroughly  pleafed 
themfelves:  which  ^?  a  lamentable  blind- 
jiefs,  and  difcovers  them  to  be  at  a  great 
diftance  from  the  di(5tatrs  and  holy  impref- 
fions  of  truth.  This  is  what  all  ought 
earneftly  to  pray  they  may  be  preferved 
from,  walking  carefully  in  the  middle  path, 
retaining  a  jealoufy  over  themfelves,  with 
a  (ingle  eye  to  God's  honour,  and  the  pro- 
motion of  his  truth.  Then  will  their  feet 
be  fliod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gofpel 
of  peace,  and  will  appear  beautiful  as  iipou 
the  mountains.  I  went  from  Yeoland  to 
Lancafter,  and  attended  their  meetings  on 
firft-day,  where  I  had  good  open  fervice, 
truth  being  comfortably  in  dominion,  and 
friends  thereby  nearly  united  one  to  ano- 
ther. From  Lancafter  I  went  to  the  fol- 
lowing meetings,  Filde,  Freklefton,  Pref- 
ton,  Langtree,  and  Afhton.  They  were 
generally  fmall,  and  the  life  of  religion  at 
a  very  low  ebb.  I  was  favoured  with 
ftrength  to  difcharge  the  fervice  required, 
in  a  clofe  painful  labour  for  their  help  and 

recovery. 


246        The    JOURNAL    or 

recovery.  But  alas !  great  is  the  declenfion 
in  thofe  parts,  and  I  fear  but  little  laid  to 
heart.  The  next  meeting  I  went  to  was 
at  Hartfliaw,  being  a  general  meetings 
which  was  very  large,  and  although  fome- 
thing  heavy  and  painful  in  the  fore  part, 
yet,  through  divine  goodnefs,  it  proved  a 
iblemn  ferviceable  meeting,  and  by  ftrength 
and  wifdom  received  from  above,  divers 
weighty  gofpel  truths  were  delivered,  to 
the  comfort  and  edification  of  many.  I 
had  that  evening  a  large  meeting  at  War- 
rington; but,  as  heretofore  in  the  fame 
place,  I  felt  their  life  and  dependance  was 
too  much  upon  and  after  declarations.  I 
found  it  my  duty  to  difappoint  that  fpirit^ 
by  fitting  the  whole  time  in  filence.  1  went 
from  thence  to  my  valuable  friends  John 
and  JoHiua  Toft's,  near  Leek  in  Stafford- 
ihire,  having  Samuel  Fothergill  for  com- 
pany and  guide.  I  had  a  ferviceable  meet- 
ing at  Leek ;  my  labour  was  clofe  in  plain 
dealing  with  fome,  who  appeared  to  me 
too  much  exalted  in  their  own  wifdom 
and  conceit  of  themfelves,  whereby  the 
fimplicity  of  the  truth  was  too  much  over- 
looked by  them.  On  fifth-day,  the  ift  of 
the  nth  month,  being  accompanied  by 
Jofhua  Toft,  I  went  to  Stafford,  and  had 
a  fmall  poor  meeting  there.  Next  day  in 
the  evening  we  had  a  meeting  at  Tamworth, 
which  was  large,  being  chiefly  made  up 
with  the   confiderable   inhabitants    of    the 

town. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         247 

ILown.     The  public  fervice  thereof  fell  upon 
my  companion,    with    which    I    was    well 
pleafed,    but  found  my  mind  not  clear  of 
friends    belonging    to    that    meeting,    and 
therefore   defired   to  have  a  meeting    with 
them  next  day,  at  a  friend's  houfe,  as  I  was 
defirous  to  have  friends   only.     I  had  clofe 
fearching  fervice  amongfl:  them,  yet  to  my 
comfort  and  great  relief  in  the  end.     On 
firft-day,    the  4th,    I  was  at  Birmingham 
meetings;    the  forenoon  was   a  good  open 
time,    wherein  the  teftimony  of  truth  was 
exalted ;   but  the  afternoon  proved  a  heavy 
painful  meeting;  my  way  was   quite  ihut 
up    as    to    miniftry.      Now    apprehending 
myfelf  difcharged  from  further  fervice  in 
this  journey,  on  fecond-day  morning  I  ftt 
my  face  homewards,  and  got  to  Northamp- 
ton that  night,    and  next  day  to  Hitchin, 
and  got  home  on  fourth-day,  the  7th  of  the 
nth  month,  finding  my  dear  wife  and  fa- 
mily well;  being  thankful,  as  we  had  great 
caufe,    to  the  fountain  of  all  our  mercies, 
for   his    providential   care   over   us,    when 
outwardly   feparated    for    his   fervice  fake. 
I  was  from  home  this  journey,  about  ten 
weeks  and  three  days,  in  which  time  I  travel- 
led, by  account,  about  760  miles,  and  was  at 
about  fifty-five  meetings.    In  the  year  1754, 
I  travelled  v/ith  my  efteemed  friend  Johii 
Churchman,    through  Hampfliire,    the  Ifle 
of  Wight,    and  part  of  Surry;    the  parti- 
culars  whereof  I  cannot  at   prefent  find; 

but 


£48        The    JOURNAL    of 

but  I  remember  it  was  the  laft  of  his  travels 
in  this  nation,  and  that  we  were -nearly 
united  in  the  fervice;  the  power  and  wif- 
dom  of  truth  being  livingly  and  comfort- 
ably with  us,  enabling  us  to  labour  with 
diligence  for  the  .promotion  of  truth,  and 
our  own  peace.  In  the  fore  part  of  the  year 
1756,  being  in  company  with' my  efteemed 
friend  Peter  Andrews  from  America, 
fometimes  vifiting  meetings  in  the  city  of 
London,  I  was  feized  with  a  violent  diforder; 
it  was  with  confiderable  difficulty  I  got 
home,  and  foon  took  my  chamber,  where 
I  continued  many  weeks  under  great  afflic- 
tion of  body,  and  alfo  of  mind  at  times, 
which  I  have  divers  times  experienced  as  a 
further  trial  of  my  faith  and  patience. 
The  Lord  has  been  pleafed  to  withdraw  his 
comforting  enlivening  prefence;  I  have 
thought  rather  more  fo  in  thofe  times  of 
bodily  afflidlions,  than  others;  for  wife 
ends,  bed  known  to  himfelf.  Oh!  who 
can  underftand  or  conceive  the  anxiety  of 
the  mind  when  this  is  the  cafe,  except 
thofe  who  have  felt  the  fame  ?  But,  through 
divine  favour,  it  was  not  fo  with  me  always, 
efpecially  in  the  laft  of  my  great  illnelTes, 
which  was  the  latter  end  of  1758,  when  the 
joys  of  heaven  fo  opened  upon  my  foul,  as 
I  had  never  known  before,  which  niade  me 
willing  to  hope  that  I  was  near  entering  into 
the  full  fruition  thereof.  How  ftrong  were 
my  defires  then  to  be  diffolved,  ^nd  to  be 

with 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        249 

with  Chrifl  for  ever !  Ready  to  fay,  now  let 
thy  fervant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes 
have  feen  thy  falvation !  but  I  was  not  then 
accepted  herein,  neither  was  my  mind  after- 
wards free  from  fome  fears  and  doubts,  that 
I  had  offended  a  gracious  God,  by  an  over- 
anxious defire  to  be  removed  from  a  mili-^ 
tant  to  a  triumphant  ftate.  The  example 
of  our  Lord  (though  he  was  the  only  be- 
gotton  Son)  in  addreffmg  the  Father,  is 
highly  worthy  to  be  ever  remem.bered  by 
us,  in  all  our  defires  and  prayers,  viz. 
*'  Neverthelefs,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be 
*'  done!"  The  above  hints  may  fall  into  the 
hands  of  ibme  poor  aflflided  perfons,  to 
whom  they  may  afford  comfort,  by  obferv- 
ing,  they  are  not  quite  fingular  in  their 
trials,  and  from  thence,  through  the  divine 
bleffings,  receive  fome  encouragement: 
which  is  my  reafon  for  penning  them,  as  well 
as  many  other  remarks  in  the  courfe  of  this 
journal;  even  on  my  mofl  invv-ard  and  hid- 
den trials.  I  have  had  great  caufe  to  blefs 
and  praife  the  Lord,  many  times  fnice,. 
when  I  have  obferved  the  great  advantage 
of  thofe  very  pinching  feafons  of  afBicflion, 
how  much  they  tend  to  refine,  and  to  efta- 
blifh  the  foul  upon  the  rock  of  ages,  yielding 
the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteoulhcfs  to  thote 
who.  are  properly  exercifed  thereby.  I  had 
very  little  health  from  the  time  that  I  was 
taken  before-mentioned,  for  about  tv/o 
years;    yet  was   enabled,    in   1757,  to  vifit 

friends 


250        The    JOURNAL    #f 

friends  meetings  in  Kent,  Suflex,  and  fom^ 
few  meetings  in  Hampfhire,  &c.  I  fet 
out  from  home  the  12th  of  the  7th  month, 
and  crolTed  the  River  Thames  at  Gravefend, 
where  by  appointment  I  met  my  friend 
Jofeph  Taylor,  and  with  him  Jofeph  Wood, 
and  Stephen  Jackfon,  all  from  London. 
V/e  went  that  afternoon  to  Rochefter,  where 
about  fix  in  the  evening  we  had  a  meeting, 
there  being  a  meeting-houfe ;  though  I 
think  but  one  perfon  (then)  a  young  woman, 
who  made  profelFion  with  us.  Many  others 
came,  and  there  was  an  opennefs  to  declare 
the  doctrines  of  truth  largely  amongft  them, 
which  I  hope  was  not  altogether  in  vain. 
From  thence  we  all  went  to  Canterbury, 
except  Stephen  Jackfon,  who  returned 
home.  We  had  a  meeting  there,  made  up 
chiefly  of  profeflTors  with  us.  The  tefti- 
mony  of  truth  went  forth  in  a  clofe  fearch- 
ing  manner,  and,  through  m.ercy,  it  was 
exalted  over  all  of  a  contrary  nature.  The 
Lord  had  the  praife,  and  his  fmcere  follow- 
ers fatisfaftion  and  comfort.  We  had 
a  meeting  next  at  a  place  called  Burching- 
ton,  where  there  was  a  meeting-houfe, 
but  none  of  our  ibciety  living  in  that  place; 
the  people  filled  the  houfe,  and  a  pretty 
many  out  of  doors ;  they  appeared,  in  gene- 
ral, a  low  ignorant  people ;  yet  the  Lord, 
with  whom  there  is  no  refpect  of  perfons, 
opened  the  dodrines  of  the  gofpel  largely, 
and  in   a   reaching    affedling  manner,    by 

which 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        255 

which  many  feemed  to  be  tendered.     Next 
day  we  had   a   meeting   at   Drapers,    near 
Margate,     which    was    frnall,    and    things 
low  as  to  the  Hfe  of  religion.     In  a  very 
fmall  meeting  in  the  evening    at   Deal,    I 
had     fome     dole     fervice;      after     which, 
one  perfon  gave  me  fufficient  caufe  to  fee 
there  was  need  of  it.     The  next  meeting 
Was  at  Dover,  being  on  feventh-day  in  the 
evening,  as  1  was  defirous  of  being  at  Folk- 
ftone  on  the  day  following      Truth  opened 
dodlrine    and    counfel    for   their   help   and 
edification,  there  being  fome  lately  convin- 
ced of  our  principles,  who  appeared  tender 
and     hopeful.       I    hid     good     fatisfadliou 
amongft  the  few  friends  in  that  place.     At 
Folkflone  the  meetings  were  large,  but  the 
life  of  religion  mournfully  low  and  borne 
down,     not   only    with  thofe    things  com- 
monly called  undue  liberties  in  many,  but: 
alfo,    with  the  form   of  religion,    without 
the  power  of  it  in  others.     I  had  (as  it  were) 
^  threlhing  inftrument  put  into  mine  hands, 
and  was  enabled  to  difcharge  the  fervice  re- 
quired, to  my  great  eafe  and  relief;  for  my 
fpirit    was    exceedingly   loaded    and  bowed 
down  at  that  place.     Oh  f  what  pity  it  is, 
that  old  profelfors,  inftead  of  being  as  pil- 
lars in  the  houfe  of  God,  and  as  Aarons  and 
Hurs,    bearing   part   of   the    Lord's    great 
work  (fo  happily  and   giorioufly  begun  in 
the  earth)  fhould  be  a  means  of  obftrudling 
the  fame,    and  by    the   carnality  of   their 
K  k  fpirits. 


352        The    JOURNAL    op 

fpirits,  burden  and  greatly  deprefs  the  word 
of  life  in  the  meffengers  of  Chrift,  fent  in 
order  to  carry  it  on  amongft  mankind: 
thereby  rendering  themfelves  altogether  un- 
worthy to  be  named  by  his  name,  to  taftc 
of  his  dainties,  or  to  live  under  this  latter, 
and  as  glorious  a  manifeftation  of  evangeli- 
cal light  and  truth,  as  was  ever  extended  to 
inankind!  Is  not  the  great  defign  of  the 
Almighty  obvious,  in  gathering  us  as  a 
people  into  his  fold,  to  fit  under  his  teach- 
ings, and  confequently  under  his  glorious 
Inanifeftation,  fliowering  upon  us  great 
plenty  of  rain  from  above,  and  heavenly- 
dew  as  upon  Hermon's  hills,  viz.  that  we 
might  be  as  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  full  of 
fruitful  plants  and  fragrant  flowers,  fend- 
ing forth  a  fweet  fmell,  yea,  to  be  as  a 
fountain  of  gardens,  and  wells  of  living 
water,  and  ftreams  from  the  goodly  beauti- 
ful mountains  of  Lebanon :  for  it  is  writ- 
ten, "  Out  of  the  belly  of  him  that  be- 
*'  lieves,  fliall  flow  rivers  of  living  water." 
By  which  it  plainly  appears,  that  the  Lord's 
choien  people  are  like  conduits,  channels, 
or  water- fpouts,  to  convey  the  water  of 
hfe  into  the  wildernefs,  that  it  may  be- 
come a  fruitful  field,  and  that  the  defart 
land  may  come  to  rejoice,  and  blofTom  as  a 
roic;  alio  into  the  fea,  viz.  amongfl  the 
nations,    languages,  tongues  and  people  *", 

to 

^  Se^  Ezekiel  aIvIv 


JOHN    G  R  I  F  F  I  T  H.        253 

to  heal  the  fifties  that  are"  in  this  fca,  viz. 
the  backOiders  and  diliempered  of  mankind. 
But  oh,  how  flowly  doth  this  work  go  oa! 
And  what  a  httle  progrefs  it  hath  yet  made, 
to  what  was  expected  by  thofe  valiants,  who 
firfl  engaged  againfl  Babylon  in  the  morn- 
ing of  our  day,  and  made  that  kingdom 
fiiake!  But  many  under  the  fame  profeffion 
in  this  day,  are  turned  againft  the  truth, 
and  at  the  fame  time  they  pretend  to  main- 
tain its  caufe,  they  are  fupportiug  and 
ftrengthening  the  kingdom  of  Babylon  all 
in  their  power,  which  is  exceeding  ftrangc 
to  think,  and  perhaps  would  not  be  believed 
by  hundreds  that  really  are  doing  it.  The 
reafon  is,  they  firft  of  all  have  tak  n  fome 
draughts  of  the  wine,  out  of  the  whore  of 
r  Babylon's  golden  cup,  whereby  they  are  fo 
'  intoxicated,  as  not  to  know  what  they 
are  doing;*  fo  that,  when  they  think  they 
are  ferving  God,  they  are  ferving  Satan, 
-Were  not  the  Jews  drunk  with  this  cup, 
when  they  dreamed  that  God  was  their  fa- 
ther, and  at  the  fame  time  were  in  reaUty 
of  their  father  the  Devil,  doing  his  works, 
when  they  thought  they  vvere  doing  God's 
works  ?  This  w^oeful  miftake  has  been,  and 
is  almoft  general  amongfl:  mankind.  When 
they  fupprefs  the  meafure  of  grace  in  them- 
felves,  and  drink  a  few  draughts  as  above- 
faid,  they  are  then  fit  to  follow  antichrift 
whitherfoever  he  will  lead  them;  but  he 
will  take  care,  no;  to  have  much  crofs  to 

the 


254        The    JOURNAL    of 

the  will  of  the  flelh  in  his  religion,  left  they 
fliould  be  tempted  to  leave  him ;  that  being 
the  rery  reafon  of  the  violence  they  have  of- 
fered to  the  divine  witneis,  which  formerly 
rofe  up  againft  them  in  their  minds^  viz. 
becaufe  they  faw  if  they  followed  that, 
the  crofs  muft  be  taken  up,  and  felf  muft  be 
denied.  At  this  they  have  ftumbled;  and 
although  little  fenfe  is  at  prefent  retained 
thereof,  by  reafon  of  the  intoxication  before 
mentioned,  yet  w'hen  they  are  (iimmoned 
before  the  judgment-feat  of  Chrift,  and  the 
books  come  to  be  opened,  all  will  then  fee 
things  as  they  really  are,  which  do  not  at 
all  change  their  natures,  though,  by  a  de- 
fed  in  the  capacity  before  defcribed  they  be 
not  fcen  or  under  flood. 

It  is  worthy  to  be  remembered,  and  deep-* 
ly  pondered  by  great  numbers  in  our  fociety, 
that  it  was  the  rebellion  and  unfaithfulnefs 
of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  was  the  caufe 
of  their  being  turned  back  again  into  a 
barren,  doleful,  howling  wildernefs,  when 
near  the  borders  of  the  land  of  promife. 
They  doubtlefs  might  have  then  entered, 
fubdued  the  idolatrous  inhabitants,  and  taken 
full  poffefTion  thereof,  had  they  believed  m 
and  obeyed  that  mighty  Jehovah,  who  with 
an  outflretched  arm  had  brought  them  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  dividing  the  Red  Sea 
in  mercy  to  them,  and  for  the  deftruclion 
of  their  enemies.  But  oh !  what  a  long 
wildernefs  they  had  afterwards,  for  about 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        255 

the  fpace  of  thirty-eight  years,  until  ail 
that  people  had  fallen,  except  Caleb  and 
Jolhua,  men  of  upright  hearts,  whom  the 
Lord  honoured  with  being  the  leaders  of 
an  entire  new  people  to  poflefs  the  land. 
Cannot  the  empty  formal  profeiTors  amongft 
us,  who,  under  great  pretenfions,  have  fuf^ 
iered  a  heart  of  unbelief,  a  rebellious  heart, 
that  has  departed  from  the  living  God,  and 
embraced  this  prefent  world,  read  their  own 
condemnation  in  the  before-mentioned  ac- 
count? Shall  they  ever  enter  into  the  hea- 
venly Canaan  ?  or  be  accounted  worthy  to 
carry  on  his  glorious  work  in  the  earth? 
No,  verily;  but  they  muft  fall  into  great 
condemnation,  except  they  repent,  and  re- 
deem their  mif-fpent  time,  and  another  peo- 
ple be  raifed  to  maintain  this  glorious  caufe, 
to  whom  the  Caleb's  and  Joihua's  in  our 
Society  will  be  as  leaders  and  direcflors; 
like  Prifcillas  and  Aquilas,  to  expound  unto 
them  (who  enquire  the  way  to  Sion)  the 
way  of  the  Lord  more  perfectly ;  for  I  am 
fully  perfuaded,  our  fociety  will  not  ceafe  to 
be  a  people,  nor  the  glory  ever  depart  there- 
from wholly,  as  it  did  from  the  Jewifh,  and 
in  a  great  degree  the  lapfed  Chriftian  church. 
I  have  no  doubt,  but  that  a  people  will  be 
preferved  from  generation  to  generation,  to 
contend  earneftly  for  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  faints,  and  to  maintain  the  fame  with 
the  dodlrine  and  principle  refulting  there- 
from, fo  eminently  revived  in  our  predecef- 

fors. 


^56         The    JOURNAL    of 

fors,  and  moft  furely  believed  by  us.  So 
that  when  it  Ihall  pleafc  the  Lord  to  awa- 
ken the  -nations,  there  will  be  no  occafion 
to  expedl  new  difcoveries,  or  other  manifef- 
tations,  but  the  Lord  will  Ihew  where  he 
feeds  his  flock,  and  where  they  lie  down 
at  noon.  1  do  not  exped:  the  prefent  le- 
thargy, and  almoll  univerfal  indifference  of 
all  denominations  of  Ghriftians  abaut  reli- 
gion, is  to  continue  very  long,  for  the 
Lord's  foul  abhors  it.  I  am  fully  perfuaded 
he  will  arife  in  dreadful  majefty,  to  Ihake 
terribly  the  earth ;  the  power,  wiidom,  po- 
licy, and  fplendor  thereof,  and  not  only 
the  earth,  but  the  heavens  alfo,  that  he 
may  remove  thofe  things  which  can  be 
-fliaken,  that  thofe  things  that  cannot  be 
fliaken  may  remain.  Then  fliall  people  fee 
how  empty  and  fruitlefs  their  religious  pre- 
tenlions  have  been.  Then  will  their  eyes 
and  cries  be  to  the  Lord,  to  fliew  them  the 
pafture  of  the  flock  of  his  companions. 
Then  will  mankind  receive  a  kingdom 
which  cannot  be  fliaken.  But,  oh !  the 
bitter  cups  that  murt:  be  drank,  and  the 
phials  of  God's  wrath  that  mud  be  poured 
upon  nations  and  kingdoms,  before  mankind 
m  general  will  be  humbled  enough,  to  fub- 
mit  to  the  yoke  of  Chrift,  and  to  learn  of 
him,  who  is  meek  and  low  in  heart.  But 
he  is  Lord  of  lords  and  King  of  kings,  and 
can  turn  and  overturn,  until  the  inhabitants 
of    the   earth   are   willing   that   he   fliould 

reigu 


J  O  H  N    GRIFFITH.        257 

reign  whofe  right  it  is;  "  for  when  the 
*'  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  in  the  earth, 
"  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  will  learn 
"  righteouihefs." 

Great  and  marvellous  hath  been  the  Lord's 
condefcenfion  and  goodnefs,  manifefted  for 
our  help  and  prefervation  many  ways ;  one 
wliereof  I  cannot  well  omit  a  fliort  remark 
upon,  viz.  the  reviving  of  ancient  zeal  for 
the  promotion  of  difcipline  and  good  order, 
which  I  find  is  almofl  general  throughout 
the  fociety,  that  fpirit  of  found  judgment, 
and  the  burning  of  that  holy  fire,  which 
the  Lord  doth  kindle  in  the  hearts  of  the 
faithful,  has  never  been  wholly  extin- 
guifhed,  fince  we  have  been  a  people; 
though  in  fome  places,  through  the  neg- 
ledl  of  many,  it  h2.th  burned  rather  faint 
and  languid.  This  has  of  late  been 
much  augmented,  and  the  number  of  thofe 
;<  who  will  not  take  bribes  (that  is,  through 
favour  and  affection  pervert  judgment)  in- 
creafed.  I  pray  God,  for  his  great  name's 
fake,  and  his  people's  prefervation,  this 
good  work  may  prof  per!  Publick  miniftry, 
though  a  great  bleffing,  help,  and  comfort 
to  God's  people,  may  be  fliunned,  evaded, 
and  turned  off  by  individuals :  but  the 
church  cannot  ealily  lofe  ground,  under 
a  godly,  impartial  admrniflration  of  found 
judgment,  and  dealing  in  the  way  of  good 
order  and  difcipline,  as  this  brings  judg- 
ment hciTie;  Thou  art  the  man.  Here  in- 
dividuals 


S58        The    JOURNAL    oP 

dividuals  mufi  condemn  the  evil,  or  be  dif^ 
united  from  the  body,  that  it  may  not  bd 
infedled  or  endangered  by  their  defedlion, 
I  went  from  Folktlone  to  Maizam,  wher6 
I  had  a  meeting,  and  fomc  clofe  fearching 
labour,  in  order  to  awaken  drowly  lukewarm 

?rofeirors.  1  had  meetings  alfo  at  Afhford, 
enterden,  and  Cranbrooke,  where  I  found 
things  exceeding  low  as  to  truth  and  friends, 
and  but  very  little  of  the  fubftance,  or  even 
form,  to  be  met  with.  My  fpirit  was  much 
affecSled  with  forrow  and  mourning,  in. 
viewing  the  deplorable  eftate  of  the  fociety 
in  this  county;  yet  I  endeavoured  with 
patience  to  wade  along  in  my  fervice,  and 
to  difcharge  the  duty  required  of  me. 

I  then  proceeded  to  vifit  Sviflex.  The  firfl: 
meeting  I  had  in  that  county,  was  Gard- 
ner-Street; I  could  find  bvit  very  few,  if 
any,  truly  alive  in  religion  there.  I  had 
hard  clofe  work  with  the  unfaithful,  in  fomc 
important  branches  of  our  Chriftian  tefti- 
jnony,  to  which  I  was  immediately  led ;  for 
I  knew  nothing  of  their  ftate  by  outward 
information.  I  had  meetings  alfo  at  Lewes, 
Brighthelmftone,  •  and  Arundel.  At  all 
which  places,  I  found  the  life  of  religion 
much  depreffed.  My  fervice  was  clofe  and 
fearching;  but  alas!  carnal  profeflbrs  are 
very  hard  to  be  made  fenlible  of  their  de- 
plorable condition.  From  Arundel  I  went 
to  Chicheiler,  where  I  had  a  meeting,  and. 
good  open  fervice,    not  only  to  ftir  up  the 

carelefs 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        259 

carelefs  to  more  fervent  labour,  but  alfo  to 
encourage    and    ftrengthen    fome    tender-^ 
hearted    travellers    Zion-wards.       It    was, 
through  the  holy  eihcacy  of  truth,  a  blef^ 
fed  tune.      I   went   from  thence  to  AltoA, 
in  Hampfliire,    and  attended  their  firil-day 
meeting.   ^  There  is  a  large  body  of  friends, 
amongll  whom,    the  great  Mafter  of  our 
affembiies     opened     dodrine    and   counfel, 
fuited  to  their  feveral  dates,  and  the  bleiTed 
truth    was    in    great    dominion    that    day. 
The  next  meeting  I  had  v/as  at  Godalming, 
where  I  had  very  clofe  heavy  fervice,  being 
made    fenfible    of    much    indifference    and 
lukewarmnefs  in  fome  profeflbrs.      It  was 
often  my  lot  to  labour  for  the  Itirring  up 
and  reviving  of  fuch ;  but  alas !  it  is  hard 
work,  yet  fufficiently  rewarded  by  the  com- 
fortable returns  of  true  peace,  in  a  faithful 
difcharge  of  duty.     The  next  meeting  I  had 
was  at  Staines,  which  was  pretty  open  and 
fatisfadlory :  being  iivingly  engaged  to  ad- 
minifler  fuitably  to  the  feveral  flates  of  thofe 
prefent.     I  went  from  thence  to  Uxbridge, 
where  I  had  open  thorough  fervice,  to  good 
fatisfadlion.     After  which  I  went  to  High- 
Wickham,  and  had  a  heavy  laborious  meet- 
ing.    The  fame  day  I  had  an  evening  meet- 
ing  at  Amerlham,    in  w^hich  I   had   fome 
fervice,     though    things    were    very     low. 
Next    day   I   had   a   meeting    at    Jordans, 
where  the  bleiTed  truth  had  great  domiuion, 
and    the    teftiaiony    thereof    flowed    forth 

I-'l  *  freely, 


26o        The    JOURNAL    of 

freely,  in  do6trine  and  counfel,  for  the  help 
and  comfort  of  thofe  prefent.  After  which 
1  went  to  London,  where  I  ftaid  the  firft- 
day  meetings  over.  I  attended  Grace-church- 
Street  in  the  morning,  where  I  had  good 
fervice,  and  the  teftimony  of  truth  had  great 
dominion.  I  went  to  Devonfliire-Houle  in 
tiic  afternoon,  where  I  had  alfb  a  good  open 
time,  to  declare  the  truth;  finding  much 
eafc  and  peace  of  mind.  The  fervice  of  this 
fmall  journey  being  over,  I  returned  home 
the  next  day,  having  been  out  about  four 
wecks^  at  28  meetings,  and  travelled  about 
350  miles. 

The  next  journey  I  have  any  account  of, 
was  chiefly  in  order  to  viiit  the  quarterly- 
meetings  of  Lincoln,  York,  Lancafter,  and 
Kendal.  I  fet  out  the  16th  of  the  6th 
month,  175^),  and,  by  appointment,  met 
Jofeph  Taylor  at  Cambridge,  who  was  to 
be  my  companion  as  far  as  York.  It  being 
iirft-day,  we  went  to  their  meeting  in  the 
morning,  Vv^hich  was  very  fmall,  and  things 
exceeding  low  as  to  the  life  of  religion. 
We  went  in  the  afternoon  about  ten  miles 
to  a  general- meeting  at  a  place  called  Over, 
which  was  large,  and  I  was  largely  opened 
therein,  in  clofe  awakening  fervice, 
tending  to  roufe  carelefs  profefTors,  of 
whom  there  feemed  to  be  many  at  that 
meeting.  We  proceeded  after  meeting  as 
far  as  Erith,  and  next  day  got  to  Spalding, 
ia  Lincolniliire,  where  we  met  our  worthy 

friend  j^ 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        261 

friend  Mordecal  Yarnall  from  America, 
who  was  then  on  a  religious  vifit  in  this 
nation,  and  Samuel  Ncal  from  Ireland. 
The  2otIi  in  the  moaning  we  fet  out  for 
Lincoln  quarterly-meeting,  which  began 
the  next  day  about  noon,  and  ended  the  day 
following.  Truth  is  at  a  low  ebb  in  this 
county,  and  the  diicipline  in  the  main  but 
poorly  managed,  and  the  conduft  of  cUvers 
profeifors  adminillers  caufe  of  offence;  yet 
w^e  were,  through  the  extendings  of  mer- 
ciful goodnefs,  tavoured  with  coufiderable 
opennefs,  and  pretty  thorough  iervice  for 
their  help,  and  to  our  own  eafe  in  a  good 
degiCQ,  After  this  meeting  was  over,  my 
companion  and  I  proceeded  on  our  journey 
towards  York,  taking  Leed's  firft-day  meet- 
ings in  our  way,  which  were  large,  very 
heavy,  and  laborious.  My  proper  bufineis 
was  to  wade  under  a  great  weight,  occa- 
fioned  by  the  indolent  fpirits  of  thofe  who 
were  unwilling  to ,  labour  and  bear  their 
own  burdens,  in  an  example  of  filence. 
Next  morning  was  held  their  monthly- 
meeting  of  miniflers  and  elders,  where  I 
had  clofe  fervice;  and  the  fame  day  that 
for  difcipline,  which  was  exceeding  large, 
our  fociety  being  very  numerous  thereabout. 
The  teftimony  of  truth  was  greatly  exalted 
therein,  in  treating  concerning  Chrift,  the 
everlafting  Rock  upon  which  the  church  is 
built,  whereupon  only  it  can  'ftand  firm, 
againft  all  the  attem.pts  of  a  potent  adverfary, 

and 


262        The    journal    of 

and  his  emifTaries.  Next  day  we  went  to  York, 
where  the  fame  evening  was  hel'd  the  quar- 
terly meeting  of  minifters  and  elders.  I 
had  feme  open  fervice  therein,  particularly 
to  minifters.  We  were  divinely  favoured 
in  the  fucceeding  meetings,  both  for  w^or- 
fliip  and  difcipline,  to  our  edification  and 
comfort.  From  York  I  went  towards  Ken- 
dal, and  was,  in  my  way,  at  a  yearly- 
meeting  held  on  a  firlt-day,  in  a  large  barn 
near  Eingley ;  where  (it  Vv^as  thought)  were 
very  near  a  thoufand  people  of  other  religi- 
ous periuafions,  befides  many  of  our  ownfo- 
ciety.  I  was  largely  opened  therein  to 
preach  the  everlafting  gofpel,  in  the  autho- 
rity and  demonllration  thereof.  The  peo- 
ple generally  behaved  in  a  fober  becoming 
manner,  appearing  well  fatisfied,  which  is 
too  often  the  moll:  we  can  fay  in  our  day, 
concerning  fuch  memorable  opportunities  5 
whereas,  our  predecelfors  might  have  added, 
perhaps^  that  fcveral  hundreds  were  con- 
vinced. However,  we  muft  content  our- 
felves  with  the  ftate  or  condition  of  the 
fields  of  the  world,  in  our  day:  and  al- 
though WQ  cannot  lift  up  our  eyes  as  they 
could,  to  behold  the  fields  white  unto  har- 
veft,  yet  let  there  be  honeft  endeavours  to 
contribute  all  in  our  power,  for  the  bring- 
ing them  forward  in  this  relpeil,  and  leave 
the  reft  to  the  Lord,  in  whole  hands  alone 
are  times  and  feafbns.  I  had  a  meeting  at 
SkipCpn  that  evening,  to  good  fatisfadlion, 

I  went 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        263 

1  went  from  thence  to  Settle,    and  was  at 
their  monthly-meeting,  where  I   had  good 
fervice,    and  fo  proceeded  to  Kendal,    ac-* 
€ompanled   by  divers    friends.      The  fame 
day  was  held  the  meeting  of  minifters  and 
elders,  wherein  our  ancient  worthy  friend 
James  Wilfon,  had  excellent  fervice,  to  our 
great  comfort  and  edification*     Their  quar- 
terly-meeting   of    bufinefs   was   held   next 
day,    wherein  I  had  good   fervice,    in  the 
opening  of  gofpel  life  and  power.     A  blef- 
fed  meeting  it  was.     The  Lord  alone  had 
the  praife,  who  is  for  ever  worthy  thereof! 
I  attended  Kendal    meetings    the   firft-day 
following^  which  were  very  large,  and  pre- 
cious;   the  everlafting  truth  and  its   tefti- 
mony,  being  exalted  over  all  of  cu  contrary- 
nature,    to  the  great  comfort  of  the  up- 
right in  heart,     I   went,    accompanied  by 
our  friend  James  Wilfon,  and  many  others^ 
to  their  general  meeting  at  Prefton  Patrick, 
which  was  very  large.     My  fervice  therein 
was   clcfe,    fearching,    and  laborious;    not 
only  in  a  fenfe  of  great  lukewarmnefs  and 
indifference  in  fopne,    bvit   alfo  the  heart- 
burnings, difunion,  and  fecret  fmitings  one 
againft  another,    of  others.     It  feemed  to 
me,    that  fpirit  had  fubtilly  prevailed   on 
fjme  accounted  of  the  foremofl  rank,    to 
their  own  hurt,    and  the  wounding  of  the 
innocent  life.      My   fpirit  had  been  pain- 
fully  affedled  with   the  fame  fenfe  of  the 
ftate   of  that  meeting,   in  degree,    in   my 

former 


254        The    JOURNAL    of 

former  vifits  to  it;  but  never  had  fo  much 
power  arxd  comfortable  dominion  over  the 
fame,  as  at  this  time,  wherein  truth  mightily 
prevailed,  to  the  fubduing,  at  leaft  for  the 
prefent,  all  that  was  of  a  contrary  nature. 
Near  the  conclufion  of  the  faid  meeting,  our 
worthy  ancient  friend,  before-mentioned, 
publicly  teftified,  that  the  eternal  truth 
of  God  v/as  over  all,  exhorting  friends 
highly  to  prize  fuch  blefTed  opportunities, 
and  carefully  to  improve  thereby. 

In  relating  what  has  been  done,  in  mar- 
vellous kindnefs  and  condefcenfion,  through 
me  a  poor  weak  inftrument,  towards  the 
help  and  reftoration  of  my  fellow-mortals, 
I  do  fincerely  deiire,  if  any  good  is  done, 
the  Lox'd  only  may  have  the  praife,  honour, 
and  glory;  for  he  alone  is  worthy,  and 
nothing  belongs  to  the  creature,  but  hu- 
mility, reverence,  obedience,  and  laying  the 
mouth  as  in  the  duft.  I  would  be  io  un- 
derftood  throughout  the  whole  narrative, 
though  not  always  expreffed  in  words. 

I  went  from  Kendal  to  Lancafter.  The 
quarterly  felecl  meeting  for  minifters  and 
elders  was  firft  held ;  wherein  our  ancient 
friend  james  Wilfon,  before-mentioned, 
bore  a  noble,  evangelical  teftimony,  to  the 
inftruclion,  edification,  and  great  comfort  of 
friends.  Next  day  was  held  their  quarterly- 
meeting  for  difcipline,  in  which,  through 
the  efficacy  of  divine  power,  I  had  fome 
open  weighty  fervice.  I  cannot  well  for- 
bear 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        165 

bear  remarking  the  great  fatisfadlion  and 
pleafure  I  had  at  this  meeting,  in  behold- 
ing, and  having  the  acceptable  company  of 
three  honourable,  worthy,  ancient  friends, 
viz.  James  Wilfon,  Lydia  Lancafter,  and 
Grace  Chambers;  who,  I  think,  all  bore 
living  and  powerful  teftimonies  therein,  in 
a  very  affecling  manner,  to  the  holy  efEcacy 
of  thateverlafting  truth,  which  had  been 
with  them  all  their  life  long.  Oh !  it  was 
a  time  of  much  humbling  encouragement, 
to  fee  their  greennefs  and  fruitfulnefs  in 
old  age.  I  looked  vipon  them  as  patterns  of 
primitives-times  and  friends.  There  is  fome- 
thing  wonderfully  great  and  excellent,  {hen 
only  by  thofe  eyes  which  the  Lord  hath 
opened,  in  the  native  fimplicity  of  the  truth, 
and  that  eftate  into  which  it  gradually 
brings  a  man,  who,  in  a  total  denial  of  felf, 
hath  fully  given  up  to  be  formed  by  it. 
This  I  take  to  have  been  very  much  the  cafe 
with  friends  in  the  beginning,  which  ren- 
dered them  fo  very  obnoxious  to  the  fpirit 
of  the  world ;  than  which,  there  is  nothing 
more  oppofite  to  a  redeemed  ftate :  io  that 
the  more  any  are  drawn  out  of  the  corrupt 
ways  and  fpirit  of  the  world,  the  more 
they  are  hated  by  it.  This  is  obvious, 
when  we  confider  the  treatment  which 
Chrift  our  Lord,  in  whom  the  Godhead 
dwelt  bodily,  met  with.  If  many  in  profef- 
fion  with  us  are  nearer  in  unity  and  peace 
with  the  world  now,  than  our  frieads  were 

formerly. 


266        The    JOURNAL    ©y 

formerly,  let  it  not  be  tinderflood  as  a 
token  of  their  advancement  in  the  nature 
and  fpirit  of  true  religion;  but  the  contrary, 
viz.  that  they  are  fallen  nearer  thereunto, 
and  become  more  like  it  in  fpirit,  though 
fomevvhat  different  as  to  the  exterior  part  of 
rehgion,  which  the  world  cares  not  much 
for,  when  it  finds,  that  in  the  main,  we 
are  making  advances  towards  them.  Our 
friends  formerly  deUvcred  themfelves  in 
miniftry  and  writing,  in  a  plain,  fimple  ftile 
and  language,  becoming  the  caufe  they 
were  fincerely  engaged  to  promote ;  chieHy 
aiming  to  fpeak  and  write,  fo  as  to  convey 
the  power  and  efBcacy  of  the  pure  truth,  to 
that  of  God  in  the  confciences  of  men.  It 
is  no  fmall  glory  to  the  righteous  caufe  we 
are  engaged  to  promote,  that  it  has  made 
flich  a  mighty  progrefs  in  the  world,  upon 
a  better  foundation  than  that  of  human 
helps  and  learned  accomplifhments.  The 
very  firft  and  moft  eminent  inflruments, 
railed  to  propagate  the  fame,  were  illi- 
terate men,  agreeable  to  what  Paul  deli- 
vers, I  Cor.  chap.  i.  %^er.  26,  27,  28,  and 
2().  May  thefe  things  be  weightily  con- 
fidered  by  all  thofe,  who  feem  to  aim  at 
feeking  credit  to  the  fociety,  by  means  of 
thofe  outward  embellifhments,  from  which 
our  worthy  ancients  were  wholly  turned,  to 
feek  and  wait  for  that  living  power  and 
holy  authority,  which  alone  is  able  to  carry 
on  the  wodg  of  man's  redemption  to  the 

end 


J6HN    GRIFFITH.        267 

end  of  time:  the  departure  from  which 
opened  the  door  effedlually  for  the  apoftacy 
to  overfpread ;  then  human  wifdom  and 
learning  became,  in  the  eftimation  of  de- 
generate Chriftians,  effentially  neceflary  to 
make  minifters  of  the  gofpel.  But  the 
early  minifters  and  writers  in  the  Chris- 
tian church,  became  very  eminent  another 
way,  as  we  have  great  reafon  to  beheve 
moft  of  them  were  ilhterate  men ;  and  fuch 
of  them  who  had  attained  human  learnings 
when  the  power  of  the  gofpel  was  mwardiy 
revealed,  laid  all  fuch  accomplifhments 
down  at  the  feet  of  that  power,  to  whom 
every  knee  muft  bow,  and  every  tong-ue  mud 
confefs :  fo  that  we  find  them  counting  all 
that  as  drofs  and  dung,  to  which  men,  ia 
their  corrupt  wills  and  wifdom,  give  the 
higheft  place  for  ufefulnefs,  as  above  hint- 
ed. And  I  think,  fome  amongft  us  fall 
very  little  fhort  of  the  fame  difpofition 
of  mind,  though  they  do  not  care  to  own 
it  in  words  ;  for  I  have  divers  times  ob- 
ferved,  fome  have  but  little  relifh  f>r  talte 
for  the  fubftantial  truths  of  the  gofpel,  ia 
a  plain  (imple  drefs ;  nor  to  read  books, 
holding  forth  the  fame,  unlefs  they  fiad 
fome  delicacy  in  the  ftile  and  compofition. 
An  honeft  fubftantial  iTxinifter  may  wade 
into  the  feveral  ftates  of  people,  in  orvier 
to  bring  forth  fuitably  thereinto,  in  the 
native  fimplicity  of  the  truth,  and  his 
labour  herein  be  fccn^  gladly  owned  and 
M  m  received. 


26S        The    JOURNAL    of 

received,  by  the  circumcifed  in  heart  and 
ears,  where  his  lot  is  caft ;  yet  the  fort  of 
people  amongfl:  us  above-mentioned,  of 
which  I  fear  there  are  many,  do  not  know, 
nor  much  regard  him,  fcarcely  thinking  it 
worth  their  while  to  attend  the  meetings  fuch 
a  one  is  engaged  to  vifit.  But  if  they  hear 
of  one  coming  who  is  noted  for  learning 
and  eloquence,  though  perhaps  far  fhort  of 
the  other  in  depth  of  experience,  what  fol- 
lowing after  him  from  meeting  to  meet- 
ing! Enough,  if  the  inftrument  is  not 
pretty  well  grounded,  to  puff  it  up  with 
a  vain  conceit  of  itfelf,  and  to  exalt  it  above 
meafure.  Some  have  with  forrow  obferved, 
much  hurt  has  been  done  amongft  us,  by 
fuch  great  imprudence.  I  have  often  feen 
reafon  to  conclude,  popularity  and  common 
applaufe  is  no  fafe  rule  to  judge  of  the  real 
worth  of  a  minifler.  Therefore,  when  I 
have  heard  much  crying-up  of  any  inftru- 
ment, I  have  been  apt  to  doubt  its  fafe 
ftanding,  and  holding  out  to  the  end ;  which 
it  cannot  poflibly  do,  if  the  fame  defire  pre- 
vails to  fpeak,  as  there  is  in  fuch  people  to 
hear.  I  am  perfuaded,  if  fuch  keep  upon  a 
right  bottom,  they  will,  at  times,  find  it 
tlieir  duty  to  ftarve  and  difappoint  fuch 
cravings  after  words. 

I  had  an  open  fatisfactory  meeting  at  Lan- . 
tafter  the  day  after  the  quarterly-meeting,  in 
which  the  holy  virtue  of  truth  greatly  united 
friends  in  the  bond  of  love  and  peace.     The 

1 4th 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        269 

:!i4th  of  the  jth  month  I  fet  out,  m  company 
with  my  kind  friends  Jonathan  Raine  and 
wife,  William  Dilworth,  andTabitha  Ecroyd, 
and  lodged  that  night  at  Watton,  near  Pref- 
ton.  Next  morning  I  took  my  leave  of 
the  above  laid  friends  in  much  near  affec- 
tion, except  William  Dilworth,  who  ac- 
companied me  to  Warrington  that  day. 
The  next,  being  the  firft  of  the  week,  I 
attended  Penketh  meeting  in  the  morning, 
and  Warrington  in  the  atternoon.  At  boih 
which,  my  labour  in  the  miniftry  was  heavy 
and  painful,  on  account  of  the  formal, 
lifelefs  ftate  of  too  many,  who,  by  their  age 
and  long  profeffion,  might  have  been  as 
pillars  in  the  church ;  as  -well  as  the  chaf- 
'iinefs,  and  want  of  iblid  experience  by  their 
not  yielding  to  the  vifitation  of  truch,  in 
many  of  a  younger  rank.  Thus  it  is,  when 
heavenly  bleilings  have  been  ihowered  down 
upon  people,  not  duly  improving  thereby, 
they  become  miore  infeniible  than  others 
who  have  not  been  fo  highly  favoured,  I 
was  enabled  to  difcharge  the  iervice  re- 
quired, in  a  fearching,  awakening  manner, 
to  my  own  relief  in  a  good  degree.  I  went 
the  next  day  to  my  worthy  friend  Joiliua 
Toft's,  near  Leek,  who  had  then  loft  his 
fight,  but  feemed  frcfli  and  lively  in  his 
Ipirit.  We  had  great  fatisfaction  in  com- 
pany and  converiktion  with  each  other.  I 
ilaid  one  whole  day  v/ith  him  and  his  bro- 
ther, and  then  proceeded  towards  Wcrceilcr, 

taking 


270        The    journal    of 

taking  meetings  at  Dudley  and  Stourbridge. 
I  had  ibme  open  fatisfac^lory  fervice  at  the 
firft,  and  a  very  laborious  painful  time  in 
filence,  at  the  other,  where  truth  feemed 
to  me  much  deprefled  by  wrong  things. 
On  feventh-day  I  went  from  thence  to 
Worcefter,  and  attended  their  firft-day 
meetings,  and  was  mournfully  affe6led  there- 
in with  a  {enfe  of  lukewarmnefs  in  many 
profeifors,  finding  it  very  hard  for  the  life 
and  power  of  truth  to  arife  into  dominion, 
fo  as  to  make  them  fenfible  of  their  ftates. 
My  labour  was  for  the  moft  part  in  filence, 
though  I  had  fome  clofe  public  fervice.  I 
went  after  the  lafl  meeting  as  far  as  Eve- 
fham,  on  my  way  to  London,  and  from 
thence,  the  next  day  home  to  my  dear  wife, 
and  found  *her  well;  which,  together  with 
other  fav^ours,  I  was,  through  infinite  kind- 
nefs,  m;ide  a  partaker  of  in  this  journey, 
bowed  my  mind  in  humble  thankfulnefs 
to  the  bountiful  author  of  all  blefiings, 
who  is  alone  w^orthy  of  dominion  and 
worfliip  for  evermore.  I  was  from  heme 
about  five  weeks  and  five  days,  and  travel- 
led, by  account,  664  miles,  and  wms  at  37 
meetings. 

I  have  preferved  no  account  in  writing, 
of  my  travelling  in  the  fervice  of  truth,  after 
I  returned  from  the  laft-mentioned  journey, 
until  the  fore  part  of  the  year  1760,  when 
I  entered  npon  my  journey,  in  order  to.  vifit 
the   meetings   of   friends  in   the  nation  of 

Ireland 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        271 

Ireland  a  fecond  time;  having  had  it 
weightily  upon  my  mind,  at  times,  for 
fome  years.  But  when  it  drew  near,  I 
clearly  faw  the  time  fixed  to  fet  out,  which 
I  did  the  firft  of  the  3d  mionth,  in  the  afore- 
faid  year,  and  went  to  London.  The 
2d  being  on  firft- day,  I  went  to  Grace- 
church'8treec  meeting  in  the  morning.  My 
bufinefs  therein  was  to  fet  an  example  of 
iilence.  In  the  afternoon  I  had  good  open 
fervice  at  Devonfhire-Houfe  meeting.  On 
fecond-day  morning  the  3d  I  went  into 
the  Weft-Chefter  ftage  coach,  and  arrived 
at  that  city  on  fifth-day  night,  the  6th.  I 
went  next  day  to  Park-Gate,  to  inquire  for 
a  pafTage,  vsdiere  I  found  divers  vefTels  ready 
to  fail  3  yet  the  wind  being  contrary,  it  was 
uncertain  v/hen ;  fome  having  already  wait- 
ed near  a  month  for  a  fair  wind.  I  return- 
ed to  Chefter  that  night,  and  next  day  was 
poorly  of  a  cold,  having,  fince  my  great 
illnefs,  been  very  tender  in  my  lungs,  and 
apt  to  be  c?.fBicl:ed  with  an  afthmatick  dif- 
order;  fo  that  travelling,  efpecially  in  cold 
foggy  weather,  became  very  unpleafant  for 
me  to  bear,  having  endured  confiderable 
hardfliips  in  m.y  journey  from  London, 
by  fuch  weather  and  the  motion  of  the 
coach.  But  all  was  made  up,  in  the  fvveet 
enjoyment  of  that  pure  love,  which  makes 
hard  things  eafy  and  bitter  things  fvveet. 
The  9th,  being  firft-day,  I  was  at  Chefter 
rneeting,  the  nuitiber  of  friends  being  but 

Irnall, 


272        The    journal    of 

fmall,  and  thejife  of  religion  verv  low; 
yet  it  pleafed  divine  goodneik  to  extend  rrer- 
ciful  help,  giving  me  openaeib  in  the 
fpringing  up  ot  hte,  to  aclmmilter  luitabiy 
for  their  advantage,  I  hoj  e,  if  rightly  im- 
proved. The  loth  in  the  morning,  having 
hired  a  guide  and  tv^o  horles,  I  ft^  -v:  for 
Holy  Head,  in  order  to  take  a  jr-'^-e  for 
Dublin  in  one  of  the  packets,  and  sot  thi- 
ther next  day  about  fix  in  the  caing. 
Here  I  found  one  of  the   packets  to 

fail  early  next  morning.  T  went  v^^  oard 
the  1 2th,  about  fix  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  landed  at  DubUn  about  f  \  in  the 
evening,  the  fame  day,  having  had  an  ealV 
paflage  and  civil  ulage  on  boafci,  and  was 
kinciiy  received  by  my  open-hearted  friends 
Samuel  Judd  and  family.  1  was  pretty  much 
fatigued  with  travelling,  being  alfo  afBid:ed 
with  a  cold  upon  my  lungs,  v/lnch  was 
aggravated  by  the  thick  fuiphurous  air  of 
Dublin.  Yet  the  pure  virtue  and  holy 
anointing  of  the  pregious  truth,  carried 
through  and  over  all  weaknefs,  both  of 
body  and  mind.  My  foul  being  enabled  to 
extol  and  magnify  the  God  of  my  falva- 
tion,  for  his  gracious  fupport  every-  way  ; 
for  indeed,  humanly  looking  and  judging  of 
things,  it  might  not  have  appeared  prudent, 
confidering  my  weak  and  infirm  ftate  of 
body,  efpecially  alone,  to  have  undertook 
fuch  a  journey;  but  the  power  of  gofpel 
love  gaining  the  afcendency  over  all  reafon- 


mgs 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        273 

ings  and  conlliltations  with  flefti  and  blood, 
ii.ade  me  willing  to  give  up  life  and  ail,  in 
anr-.verirg    the    Lord's    requirings,    and    to 
pu' iue  what  he  was  pleafed  to  call  me  unto, 
as    i'dT   as    ability    of    body  would   admit. 
This  is  a  great  m}  ftery  to  the  carnal  man, 
but    it    hath    as  real  an  exiRence  in  a  re- 
deemed mmd,    as  that  a  principle  of  felf- 
lovc  is  tiie  x|  ih-g  of  acHon  in  an  unredeem- 
ed mind.     On  iixth-day,  the  13th,  I  went 
to  the  w^eek  day  meeting  at  Sycamore- Alley, 
where  humbling  goodnefs  was  refrelhingly 
near,    and  opened  the    doftrines  of    truth 
largely  and  livingly,  to  the  comfort  of  many 
hearts.     On  firit-day,  the   16th,  I  went  to 
Meath- Street  in  the*  morning,  where  I  had 
thororgh  fervice,    to  mine  own  great  com- 
fort and  eafe ;    though  my  fpirit  was  much 
grieved,    to  view  the  havock  made  amongft 
friends  in  that  great  city,  by  undue  liber- 
ties ;    but    mod   of   all   under  a  mournful 
fenfe,  that  the  dragon's  tail  had  drawn  fome 
of  the  ftars  down  again  into  earthly  pollu- 
tions, and  caufed  a.  bad  favour.     This  was 
oiFenfive  to  my  foul,  even  as  a  nuifance  in 
that  meeting.     May   others   harm  and  mif- 
carriages  caufe  all  the  Lord's  anointed  to  be 
very  watchful.     I  went  to  Sycamore- Alley 
in  the  afternoon,    where  the  meeting  was 
very  large.      Silent  waiting  upon  God  was 
my   fervice  therein,    in  wdiich  I  had  peace 
and  comfort ;    and  towards  the  conclufion, 
there  was  an  awful  folemnity,  in  a  remark- 
able 


274        The    JOURNAL    oi^ 

'  able  manner,  over  the  meeting,  wherein  the 
excellency  of  filent   worfliip  appeared.     Oil 
fecond-day,  the    17th,  I  went  to   Baltibois 
and  had  a  meeting  there  next  day.     I  had 
cloie  ronfing  fervice  therein;  the  teftimony 
of    trath   went   forth    very    fharp    againft 
haughty  libertine  fpirits.     There  I  met  my 
good  friend- Abraham  Shakleton,  who  tra- 
velled with  me  moft  of  the  time  I  was  in 
that   nation.      Of   him,    I   think,    it  may 
be  faid,  as  was  of  Nathaniel,  ^'  Behold  an 
"  Ifraelite   indeed,    in    whom    there   is  no 
"  guile!"    He  was  a  great  comfort  and  help 
to  me,  and  though  he  did  not  appear  public- 
ly as  a  mlnifter;  yet  he  would  drop  tender 
advice  at  times,  in  families,  in  a  very  affeil- 
ing  mar.n.T.     His  whole  converfation,  looks, 
and  deportment,  was  fo  leavened  and  tem- 
pered with  the  good,     that  I  looked   upon 
him  as  a  preacher  of  righteoufnefs  where- 
ever  he  came.     I  went  with  him,  after  the 
abovefaid  meeting,    to   his   houfe  at  Bally- 
tore,  where  next  day  I  had  a  precious  open 
meeting,  and  good  thorough  fervice  there- 
in; the  bleffed  unchangeable  truth  being  in 
dominion  ovr  all.     The  20th  I  had  a  good 
ferviceable   meeting  at  Athy,    and  the  next 
day  another   at  Rathanyon,  in  which  there 
was  a  wonderful  manifeftation  of  the  divine 
power,    and  much  clearnefs  in  opening  the 
do(ftrines  of  truth;    fo  that  I  believe  there 
were  few,  if  any,  but  were  fenfibly  afFe6led  i 
therewith.     I  hope  fuch  great  extendings  of 

favour  1 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        27J 

favour  will  not  be  eafily  forgot.  From 
thence  I  went  to  Edenderry,  and  was  at 
their  meetmg  on  firft-day,  the  23d,  v.hicli 
was  a  very  large  meeting,  and  the  power 
and  wlfdom  of  truth  was  eminently  mani- 
fefted,  in  farniflihig  with  ability,  to  divide 
the  word  aright  to  the  ieveral  ftates  in  diat 
great  mectirig.  It  was  in  much  dread  and 
weight,  not  iparing  any  rank  or  flation  in 
the  fociety.  All  there,  I  believe,  through 
divine  favour,  had  fome  lliare  of  that  day's 
work:  I  hope  not  eafily  to  be  forgotten. 
May  the  Lord  alone  have  the  praife !  for 
he  is  the  author  of  all  the  good  that  is,  or 
can  be  done.  The  25th  I  had  a  large 
meeting  at  Mount-Melick,  in  which  I  had 
thorough  fervice.  The  labour  was  fome- 
what  painful,  in  a  fenfe  of  indifference, 
and  the  infipid  formal  ftate  of  too  many,  as 
well  as  .  the  pride  and  undue  liberties  of 
others;  both  which  have  forrowfuUy  pre- 
vailed in  that  nation ;  yet  I  found  great  eafe 
and  peace  of  mind,  in  the  difcharge  of  that 
weighty  concern  which  was  upon  me  for 
their  help  and  recovery,  and  which  I  hope 
had  a  good  eiFedl  on  many.  Next  day  I  had 
a  large  meeting  at  Mount-Rath.  I  was  en- 
abled to  dilchargv?  the  fervice  required,  in 
a  fearching  manner,  that  carelefs  profefTors 
might  be  ilirred  up  to  their  rcfpedive 
duties,  and  ancient  zeal,  ardour,  and  beauty 
reftored  to  the  churches.  From  thence  I 
went  to  James  Huchinfon's,  where  I  had 
N  n  aa 


276        The    journal    of 

an  open  ferviceable  meeting;  I  hope  to  the 
comfort  and  help  of  many.  The  28th  I 
had  a  meeting  at  Ballinakill,  where  I  had 
a  good  degree  of  opennefs,  for  the  help  and 
encouragement  of  friends  in  the  way  of 
well-doing ;  but  things  were  very  low  there, 
as  to  the  life  of  religion.  I  went  after 
meeting  to  Carlow,  in  order  to  attend  the 
province  fix  weeks  meeting.  Many  friends, 
from  the  feveral  parts  of  the  province, 
came  to  it.  It  was  a  large  meeting,  and 
confidering  the  low  declined  ftate  of  things, 
we  were  favoured  with  wonderful  extend- 
Ings  of  heavenly  power,  wifdom,  and  living 
virtue,  in  order  to  heal  and  reftore  back- 
fliding  Ifrael.  Great  and  marvellous  is, 
and  hath  been,  the  condefcenfion  of  the 
Almighty  to  his  peoplcj  through  all  ages! 
The  dodrine  of  the  gofpel  flowed  forth 
freely  to  the  feveral  ftates  of  thofe  prefent, 
and  many  were  much  humbled,  in  an  aw- 
ful fenfe  of  the  divine  prefence,  which  is 
the  life  and  ftrength  of  God's  people.  I 
had  a  large  meeting  at  the  fame  place  on 
firfl-day,  the  30th,  it  was  a  bleffed  oppor- 
tunity of  favour  and  faving  help  extended 
to  thofe  prefent :  furely,  if  thefe  high  bene- 
fits are  not  duly  improved,  great  will  be 
the  condemnation  of  thofe  upon  whom 
they  are  beftowed.  I  went  from  thence 
home,  with  my  kind  friends  Robert  Lackey 
and  wife,  and  had  the  next  day  a  precious 
open    meeting   and  good    fervice    therein, 

at 


h 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        277 

at  the  houfe  of  our  worthy  ancient  friend 
Samuel  •  Watfou,  of  Killconner.  I  went 
from  thence  to  Rofs,  where,  at  the  houfc 
of  Samuel  EI7,  I  had  a  low  affliding  meet- 
ing, but  little  to  be  felt  of  the  life  of  re- 
ligion. I  was  quite  fluit  up  as  to  miniftry. 
From  thence  I  went  to  Waterford,  where 
on  the  3d  of  the  4th  month,  I  had  a  large 
meeting;  it  proved  a  time  of  cloie  labour; 
yet  I  waded  through  to  mine  own  eafe,  in 
a  good  degree.  On  the  4th,  I  had  an  open 
precious  meeting  at  Clonmell.  Oh,  how 
the  heavenly  virtue  did  llream  forth!  in 
dodlrine  and  counfel,  for  the  help,  encou- 
ragement, and  ftirrin'g  up  of  friends  and 
others,  to  their  religious  duty.  The  great 
name  of  our  God  was  adored  and  mag- 
nified. The  5th  I  went  to  Cork,  and  at- 
tended their  meetings  on  firft-day.  They 
were  large,  and  although  the  declenfion 
from  the  life  and  fimplicity  of  truth  is  very 
great  and  obvious  amongft  friends  in  that 
city,  and  many  under  our  name  are  much 
defiled  with  the  love  of  earthly  gratifica- 
tions, preferring  their  outward  intereft  to 
that  of  religion ;  yet  great  was  the  extend- 
ingvS  of  divine  love  and  favour  for  their 
help  and  recovery.  The  dodrines  of  the 
gofpel  were  thereby  largely  and  livingly 
opened,  I  hope  to  the  comfort  and  help  of 
m.any,  caufing  the  hearts  of  a  fincere,  up- 
right-minded remnant  amongft  them  great- 
ly to  rejoice  with  thankfulnefs.  On-  third- 
day^ 


2278         The    journal    of 

day,  the  8th,  I  attended  a  very  large  meet- 
ing there,  both  of  friends  and  people  of 
oriv:.T  religious  perfua.ions ;  it  being  ap- 
pointed for  the  marriage  of  our  friend 
Samuel  Neal  to  a  daughter  of  Jofliua  Beale, 
and  grand- daughter  of  our  worthy  friend 
Jofeph  Pike,  deceafed.  The  fore  part  of 
this  meeting  was  very  cloudy  and  painful, 
but  the  fincere  travail  of  the  upright  in 
heart  prevailed  with  the  Lord  to  arife;  then 
his  enemies  were  fcattered,  and  the  glorious 
powerful  truth  fhone  forth  in  its  beauty, 
whereby  the  poor  had  the  gofpel  to  preach, 
in  the  blefTed  demonftration  thereof.  It 
was  a  time  not  to  be  eafily  forgotten; 
made  fo  by  his  refrelliing  prefence,  who 
turned  our  water  of  afliiclion  into  the  re- 
viving wine  of  his  kingdom;  to  whom, 
for  the  multitude  of  his  mercies  to  his 
church  and  people,  be  humble  thankfgiv- 
ing,  fincere  obedience,  and  praifes  for  ever- 
more. Amen !  I  v;'ent  from  Cork  direct- 
ly to  Limerick,  where  on  the  1 1  th  I  had 
a  thorough  open  meeting,  and  the  tefli- 
mony  of  truth  was  greatly  exalted,  I  hope 
to  the  coiTifort  and  help  of  many.  I  often 
much  admired  the  divine  condeicenfion,  in 
the  open  vifitations  of  his  unmerited  love 
and  long-fuiTering  kindnefs,  to  a  greatly 
revolted  and  backfliding  people.  But  what 
we  finite  creatures  cannot  comprehend,  ^of 
his  unfathomable  regard  to  the  workman- 
ship, of  his  hands,  we  ought  to  adore  and 

w©rfliip 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        279 

worfhip  him  for,  with  reverence  and  awful 
fear.  So  be  it,  fliith  my  foul,  both  in  time 
and  eternity.  I  went  from  thence  to  Kill- 
connen-Moor,  where  on  firil-day,  the  13th, 
I  attended  their  meeting,  which  was  but 
fmall,  and  my  fervice  therein  was  very  la- 
borious. The  teftimony  given  to  bear  went 
forth  very  iharp  againft  wrong  liberties, 
I  was  much  afflicted,  in  a  fenfe  of  the  al- 
moft  defolate  ftate  of  that  meeting,  which 
that  worthy  man  John  Alhton,  being  firft 
himfelf  convinced  in  that  remote  place, 
was  the  inftrument,  in  the  Lord's  hand, 
by  his  favoury  circumfpeil  life  and  labour 
to  gather,  I  had  a  meeting  in  the  afternoon 
at  Birr,  where  there  are  but  few  of  our  fo- 
ciety,  but  many  of  the  people  called  me- 
thodifls,  and  foldiers  came  in.  The  gof- 
pel  of  life  and  falvation  was  largely  preach- 
ed unto  them.  The  neceffity  of  the  new- 
birth  was  urged  and  preiTmgly  enforced. 
The  nature  whereof,  from  a  degree  of  ex- 
perience, being  fet  forth,  the  meeting  ap- 
peared to  be  generally  affected,  and,  I  hope, 
it  was  a  ferviceable  time.  Some  of  the 
methodifts  did  in  words  exprcfs  their  great 
fatisfacStion,  after  meeting,  beyond  What  I 
choofe  to  mention.  On  the  15th  I  had  a 
very  painful  exerciling  meeting  at  the  Moat, 
Great  indeed  was  the  diflrefs  of  my  mind, 
viewing  the  general  hardnefs  and  infenfibi- 
lity,  as  well  as  the  vain  frothy  light  fpirits 
pf  fome.     I  had  very  little  opennefs,    and 

fcarcely 


s8o        The    JOURNAL    of 

fcarcely  any  thing  to  deliver,  but  under  a 
fenfe  of  the  Lord's  anger  being  kindled 
againft  them,  by  whom,  if  they  do  not  re- 
pent, they  will  be  rejeded.  Though,  I 
hope,  there  were  fome  few  had  a  degree 
of  tendernefs  and  good  delires ;  but,  alas ! 
it  is  a  hard  lot  for  fuch  who  have  a  fenfe 
of  feeling,  to  be  incorporated  with  a  peo- 
ple generally  fo  infenfible  of  the  life  of  re- 
ligion;  but  the  Lord  is  all-fufficient  for 
thofe  who  put  their  trufl  in  him.  From 
thence  I  went  to  the  Freeman's,  near  Old- 
Caftle,  where,  on  the  i8th  in  the  morn- 
ing, I  had  a  meeting  held  at  their  houfe, 
for  our  friends  only,  in  which  I  had  matter 
and  utterance  given  fuitable  to  the  dates  of 
the  few  prefent,  who  were  pretty  much 
affedled  with  the  teftimony  of  truth.  In 
the  afternoon  I  had  a  large  meeting  in 
friends  meeting-houfe  at  Old-Caftle.  I 
underftood  after  meeting,  they  were  moftly 
papifts.  I  had  a  large  opportunity  to  pub- 
iifh  the  truths  of  the  gofpel,  with  con- 
fiderable  clearnefs ;  fliewing  the  neceffity  of 
obtaining  vi(5lory  over  fin,  through  the  power 
and  efficacy  of  living  faith  in  Chrift;  by 
whom  only,  full  remilTion  of  fin  is  to  be 
obtained,  upon  fincere  repentance;  fliew- 
ing, in  fome  meafure,  the  great  danger  of 
fuppofing  the  Ahnighty  hath  delegated  the 
power  of  forgiving  fins  to  any  man,  or  fet 
of  men  whatever;  that  all  who  were  defirous 
to  be  freed  therefrom,  muft  know  the  work 

of 


JOHN    GRIFFIFH.        281 

of  God's  fpirit  in  their  hearts,  to  work  that 
change,  or  to  bring  forth  that  new-birth 
our  Lord  tknght  Nicodemus  the  neceffity 
of.  The  auditory  were  generally  quiet  and 
attentive,  appearing  to  depart  well  fatif- 
fied.  One  of  the  papifts  after  meeting  did 
to  me  exprefs  much  fatisfadlion  wifli  the 
docftrine  delivered.  But  I  underftood  one 
or  two  priefts  were  much  offended  there- 
with, yet  they  faid  nothing  to  me;  fo  all 
paffed  off  quiet,  as  was  my  mind,  having 
fweet  comfort  in  the  labour  of  that  day. 
From  thence  I  went  to  Coothill,  and  the 
20th  was  at  their  firft-day  meeting,  where- 
in I  was  largely  concerned  in  a  clofe  rou- 
fing  teftimony.  It  was  very  fliarp  againft 
the  inordinate  love  of  the  world,  which, 
and  other  undue  liberty,  feemed  to  mc  to 
have  almoft  laid  that  meeting  wafte.  Their 
monthly-meeting  of  bufinefs  was  held  that 
day,  which  to  me  was  another  token  of 
their  little  regard  to  tlie  great  caufe  of  re- 
ligion and  virtue,  that  they  could  not  find 
it  in  their  hearts  to  beftow  another  day  for 
tranfacfling  the  weighty  affairs  of  the  church, 
which  I  have  always  obferved  to  be  the  cafe, 
where  friends  are  really  alive  in  religion,  and 
not  narrowed  up  by  the  love  of  the  world. 
It  hath  often  appeared  wonderful  to  me, 
how  the  profeffors  of  truth  dare  offer  fuch 
an  indignity  to  the  infinite  being,  and  his 
awful  work,  as  to  put  it  off  until  it  fuits 
them  beft,  and  when  they  are  likely  to  fur- 

fer 


282        The    JOURNAL    of 

fer  the  leaft  difadvantange  in  that  refpecfl  to 
their  outward  affairs.  What  is  pointed 
out  by  the  offerings  under  the  law,  being 
of  the  firfl  year  and  without  blemifli  ?  And 
what  is  meant  by  offering  the  lirft-fruits  to 
the  Lord  ?  Oh,  how  ungratefully  do  fome 
adl:,  as  if  any  thing,  or  any  time,  was  good 
enough  to  offer  unto  him!  I  have  obferved 
in  fome  places,  though  I  can  with  com- 
fort fay,  it  was  but  in  very  few,  that  they 
hold  their  monthly  and  quarterly-meetings 
in  the  afternoon,  and  having  thus  limit- 
ed themfelves  for  time,  they  feem  as 
if  they  could  fpare  but  little  of  it  in 
filent  waiting,  to  feek  the  Lord's  bleffed 
affiflance,  and  in  faith  to  look  for  the  pour- 
ing forth  of  the  holy  fpirit  promifed  in 
this  gofpel-day.  But  I  have  obferved  them 
to  enter  on  the  bufinefs  as  they  have  come 
out  of  the  world;  m.oving  in  thefe  weighty 
affairs  in  man's  natural  abilities,  whereby 
darknefs  reigns,  and  the  glorious  light  and 
life  of  truth  is  obfcured,  and  they  come  to 
be  fo  benighted,  as  to  fee  no  neceffity  to 
wait  for  it.  Thus  all  living  zeal,  and 
every  qualification  for  carrying  on  the  Lord's 
work  is  loft,  and  vain  man  thinks  he  can  do 
without  it.  I  am  well  affured,  by  living 
experience,  as  well  as  the  practice  truth 
hath  led  friends  into  in  all  places  (a  few 
excepted)  that  it  is  the  indifpenfable  duty 
of  our  fociety,  every  where,  to  dedicate  a 
week-day,   viz.   a  day  when  they  are  not 

debarred 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        ^83 

debarred  by  the  laws  of  the  land  to  fol- 
low their  outward  buiinefs,  for  traniadliiig 
the  weighty  affairs  of  difcipline  and  good 
order ;  and  to  meet  in  the  fore-p:*irt  there- 
of, men  and  women  together,  then  and 
there  to  wait  upon  the  Lord,  for  the  virtue 
of  his  holy  fpirit;  and  when  they  have 
thus  waited  a  proper  time,  then  the  mea 
and  women  in  their  feparate  apartments, 
with  awful  fear,  and  a  weighty  care  upon 
all  their  minds  as  in  the  prefence  of  the 
Lord,  to  proceed  in  their  refpe(!?^ive  parts  of 
this  great  work;  which  is  the  Lord's,  and 
cannot  poffibly  be  profitably  done  but  by 
his  immediate  aiTiftance.  This  I  leave  upon 
record,  as  my  well-grounded  teftimony  for 
God  and  his  church.  I  attended  what 
they  called  their  monthly-meeting,  and  by 
looking  a  little  into  the  flate  of  things,  I 
found  them  much  out  of  order,  and  did  not 
wonder  at  it,  as  I  found  they  had  dropped 
their  week-day  meeting.  At  my  requefl 
the  women  were  defired  to  be  prefent,  when 
much  labour  v/as  beftowed  for  their  help, 
particularly  to  revive  their  week-day  meet- 
ing; they  agreed  to  endeavour  for  it,  and 
made  a  minute  for  that  purpofe  in  their 
monthly-meeting  book.  But,  alas!  the  life 
of  religion  feemed  to  be  almofl  loil;  their 
flate  being  confufed  and  diforderly,  by 
mixed  marriages,  and  the  negledl  of  dif- 
cipline. They  appeared  part  one  thing  and 
part  another;  which,  if  it  was  fo  offenfive 
O  0  to 


284       The    journal    of 

to  God,  and  fo  diftreffing  to  his  people 
under  the  old  covenant,  how  can  it  be  lefs 
fb  now?  But  when  people's  views  are  car- 
nal and  felfiih,  they  regard  none  of  thefe 
things,  although  the  hazard  is  fo  infinitely 
great,  I  had  a  fmall  poor  meeting  at  Caftle- 
ihane  next  day,  where,  to  my  great  forrow 
and  pain,  1  could  not  perceive  any  alive  in 
religion.  Some  labour  in  teftimony  was 
beftowed,  but  to  outward  appearance  it 
took  very  li:tie  effedl.  From  thence  I  went 
to  Thomas  Greer's,  at  Dungannon,  and  on 
the  23d  had  a  large  meeting  at  Charle- 
mount,  where  I  was  concerned  to  declare 
truth,  as  utterance  was  given,  in  a  very 
clofe  fearching  manner ;  not  without  fharp 
rebukes  to  fuch,  who,  by  defiling  liberties, 
had  brought  an  ill  favour  and  caufed  the 
way  of  truth  to  be  evil  fpoken  of.  My 
mind  was  comfortably  relieved  after  the 
fervice  of  this  meeting  w^as  over,  being  dis- 
charged of  a  heavy  load.  The  next  day  I 
had  a  very  painful  and  exercifing  meeting 
at  Ballyhagan.  The  appearance  of  the  pro- 
feflbrs  was  in  general  plain ;  but,  alas !  with 
refpedl  to  the  life  of  religion,  they  feemed, 
in  my  view,  for  the  mofi:  part,  like  pictures 
or  images.  Surely  the  blindnefs  and  flupi- 
dity  muft  be  exceeding  great,  if  it  be  pof- 
fible  for  people  in  that  (late,  to  imagine  or 
dream  they  are  the  people  of  God.  I  was, 
through  divine  favour,  enabled  to  clear 
myfelf  of  them,  by  a  fharp  fearching  and 

clofe 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        285 

clofe  teitlmony,  in  the  difcharge  whereof  I 
had  peace.      The  meeting  was  very  large, 
as    to    number.      The  25t:h  I  went  to  the 
province  meeting  of   minifters    and  elders, 
held   in   Lm^gan.      My   fpirit    was    deeply 
affedled  therein,  with  a  forrowful  fcnfe^  that 
fome  of  the  leaders  of  the  people  had  caufed 
them  to  err,  and  by  their  love  for,  and  eager 
pm'fuit  after  worldly  enjoyments,  had  large- 
ly contributed   to  obfcure  the  way  of  the 
Lord,  fo  that  the  ferious  inquirers  ?fter  the 
paths  which  lead  to  peace,    could  not,    by 
obferving  their  fteps,  find  them  out.     Oh, 
what  a  deplorable  ftate  that  is !    I  was  fa- 
voured with  living  authority  and  clearnefs, 
to   difcharge   my  mind  towards  fuch  with 
great  plainnefs,  which  feemed  to  faften  clofely 
on  fome:  may  they  profit  thereby,  and  the 
end  will  be  anfwered.     The  province  meet- 
ing was  held  next  day,  in  which  I  had  weighty 
fervice.     But,   alas!    they   are  far   gone   (a 
few  excepted)    from  the  life  and  power  of 
religion;    yet  I  found  much  good-will  ex- 
tended for  their  recovery  and  help,  and  the 
heavenly    power    wonderfully    opened   my 
mouth,  and  enlarged  my  heart,   to  deliver 
fuitable    dodlrine   to    their   conditions,    in 
which  I  had  peace,  and  many  were  affecfled 
and  reached  therewith.     Oh,  how  unwilling 
is  the  Lord  to  give  up  the  offspring  of  his 
people !  I  attended  Lurgan  meeting  on  firft- 
day,    the  26th,  which,  through  the  divine 
manifeftations  of  heavenly  power,  was  in- 
deed 


ii86        The    JOURNAL    of 

deed  a  very  awakening  time  to  the  unfaitli- 
ful,  as  well  as  of  Iweet  refrelliment  to 
the  few  mourners  in  and  for  Sion.  I  went 
after  meeting  to  Lifburn,  and  had  a  very 
open  fatisfadory  meeting  there  next  day. 
The  teftimony  of  truth  went  forth  in  an 
affeCling  manner,  to  the  tendering  many 
hearts.  It  was  a  time  of  humbling,  en- 
couragement to  the  honeft-he^rted.  The 
next  day  I  had  a  very  poor  afflicJling  m.eet- 
ing  at  Hillfborough,  things  being  very  low 
there.  The  30th  I  had  a  very  large  meet- 
ing at  Ballenderry,  in  which  I  had  tho- 
rough fervice.  The  teftimony  of  truth 
v/ent  forth  with  much  clearnefs  and  de- 
jnonfLration,  being,  through  divine  favour, 
an  eminent  time,  and  many  dates  fpoke 
ciofcly  to,  I  hope  to  their  advantage.  On 
iifth-day,  the  firft  of  the  5th  month,  I  had 
a  meeting  at  Moyallen,  which  was  a  painful 
cloudy  time.  The  teftimony  delivered  was 
very  fearching,  in  order  to  ftir  up  carelefs 
profefTors,  fome  of  whom  feemed,  in  a 
great  meafure,  to  have  deferted  the  caufe 
of  religion,  and  to  have  too  much  embraced 
this  prefent  world.  The  2d  I  fet  out  for 
Dublin,  in  order  firfl  to  attend  the  province 
meeting  for  Leinfler,  and  then  the  half  year's 
meeting,  both  to  be  held  there  in  one 
week.  I  lodged  that  night  at  an  inn  in 
Dunlere,  and  next  day  got  to  Dublin.  On 
firft-day,  the  4th  of  the  5th  month,  I  went 
to   Meath-Street    in   the   morning,     where 

truth 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        287 

truth  greatly  favoured,  in  opening  dadlrine 
and  counfei,  to  the  edification  and  comfort 
of  many,  as  well  as  in  caution  and  warning 
to  the  difobedient  and  lukewarm  profeiTors. 
In  the  afternoon  at  Sycaniore-Ailey,  it  pro- 
ved a  laborious  painful  time  of  lilence,  to 
which,  perhaps,  the  expecflation  and  defire 
of  the  people  after  words  might  not  a  lit- 
tle contribute.  On  fecond-day,  the  jth, 
was  held  their  province  meeting  of  mini- 
fters  and  elders.  It  was  a  painful  heavy 
time,  but,  through  divine  favour,  fome 
relief  was  adminiftered  towards  the  con- 
clulion.  Next  day  was  held  the  quarterly- 
meeting  for  Leinfter  province,  in  which  I 
had  open  thorough  fervice,  both  in  minif- 
try,  and  aifo  in  relation  to  good  order  and 
the  difcipline  of  the  church.  On  fourth- 
day,  the  8  th  of  the  5th  month,  third  hour 
in  the  afternoon,  began  their  national  meet- 
ing of;-minifters  and  elders,  wherein  the 
Lord  was  pleafed  to  open  profitable  in- 
ftruclion,  to-  the  great  comfort  and  edifica- 
tion of  many.  Next  day  we  had  a  meeting 
for  worfhip  in  the  'morning,  wherein  di- 
vine favour  was  plentifully  extended,  and 
the  do<5lrine  of  truth  largely  opened.  The 
meeting  ^  of  'bufinefs  for  the  whole  nation 
was  held  in  the  afternoon,  in  which  a* de- 
gree of  divine  wifdom  and  flrength  were 
adminiftered  for  our  help  in  the  manage- 
ment thereof.  On  fixth-day  morning  Vv^as 
held  a  large  meeting  for  worfliip  at  Syca- 
more* 


288        The    JOURNAL    op 

more-Alley,  which  was  wonderfully  over- 
fhadowed  with  heavenly  goodnefs,  and  the 
teftimony  of  truth  went  forth  freely,  being 
mvich  exalted.  In  the  afternoon  the  affairs 
of  the  church  continued ;  and  on  feventh- 
day,  both  fore  and  afternoon  were  employed 
in  them.  Divine  goodnefs  was  com- 
fortably near,  for  the  help  and  recovery  of 
a  declined  people,  flirring  up  the  hearts  of 
fome,  as  he  did  the  heart  of  Nehemiah 
formerly,  to  feek  the  profperity  and  welfare 
of  the  city  of  God.  I  found  a  confiderable 
alteration  for  the  better,  by  fome  reviving 
and  growth  in  the  life  of  religion,  amongft 
friends  in  this  nation.  That  painful  fliat- 
nefs  and  infenfibility,  which  I  former- 
ly mourned  forely  under  a  fenfe  of,  did  not 
appear  fo  generally  to  overfpread  the 
churches  now,  as  then;  though  in  fome 
places  it  was  rather  worfe  than  better;  yet 
I  think,  upon  the  whole,  things  were 
mended  in  a  religious  fenfe.  The  Lord, 
in  merciful  kindnefs  to  them,  not  only  fent 
divers  fubflantial  inftruments  from  diftant 
parts,  to  vifit  them;  but  alfo,  as  before 
noted,  moved  upon  the  hearts  of  fome  a- 
mongfl:  themfelves,  to  labour  for  reftor- 
ing  ancient  comehnefs,  by  vifiting  their 
monthly  and  quarterly,  or  province  meet- 
ings, for  the  promotion  of  good  order  and 
difcipiine ;  the  reviving  whereof,  in  the 
wifdom  which  is  from  above,  proves  an  ef- 
fe(flual  means  to  increafe  and  exalt  the  vir- 
tue 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        189 

tue  and  power  of  true  religion.  A  concern 
of  this  nature  came  weightily  upon  the  na- 
tional meeting  at  this  time,  in  the  feeling 
whereof,  under  the  holy  influence  of  hea- 
venly light,  friends  nominated  a  certain 
number  to  vifit  the  monthly  meetings  in 
Leinfter  province. 

I  cannot  well  omit  making  a  remark 
upon  appointments,  as  I  apprehend  Ibme 
have,  by  the  fubtilty  of  Satan,  been  pre- 
vailed upon  to  rejedt  them :  I  believe  all 
fuch  do  not  defign  an  injury  to  the  fociety ; 
but  he  who  deceives  them,  intends  there- 
by the  obftrucling  that  great  and  necefliiry 
engagement,  of  maintaining  good  order  and 
difcipHne.  I  ardently  delire,  that  all  who 
imdertake  to  move  and  adl  in  the  church  of 
God,  may  be  well  informed  what  is  the 
fpring  of  adlion  to  them,  and  moves  them 
therein.  If  it  be  the  fpirit  of  God,  they 
dare  do  nothing  againft  the  truth,  but  all 
in  their  power  in  order  to  promote  it, 
that  being  their  greateft  delight.  But  if  it 
be  felf,  it  will  feek  its  own  honour,  and  be 
very  fond  of  victory,  and  be  difgulled  whe# 
it  cannot  role  and  carry  matters  and  things 
its  own  way. 

On  firft-day,  the  nth,  many  country 
friends  being  yet  in  the  city,  we  had, 
it  was  thought,  the  largeft  meeting 
known  at  fuch  a  time,  for  many  years,  and, 
by  the  bleffed  dominio,n  of  the  everlaftino* 
truth,  it  was  a  time  of  great  favour.  The 
fincere-hearted  were  fweetly  comforted,  the 

difobedient 


2()o        The    journal    of 

difobedient  warned,  and  in  the  free  power- 
ful opening  of  gofpel  life,  mnch  doiflrine 
and  counfel  were  adminiftered,  tending  to 
beget  faith  in  the  eternal  power  of  God. 
The  afternoon  meeting  was,  for  the  mod 
part,  held  in  an  awful  folemn  filence.  On 
fecond-day  was  held  a  meeting  of  minifters 
and  elders,  wherein  divine  goodnefs  was 
pleafed  to  open  the  free  fountain  of  life 
and  healing  virtue ;  in  whom  we  had  to  re- 
joice with  joy  unfpeakable  and  full  of 
glory.  His  name  was  greatly  exalted,  mag- 
nified, and  adored  amongft  us.  After  this 
meeting,  apprehending  myfelf  now  quite 
clear  of  any  farther  fervice,  at  this  time, 
having,  through  infinite  kindnefs^  been 
much  favoured  and  enlarged  therein, 
through  mofl  parts  of  the  nation,  but  more 
efpecially  at  the  late  great  meetings  in 
Dublin,  I  was  very  earnefl  in  my  mind 
to  embark  for  England,  and  fo  to  leave  things 
whilfl  frefii-and  well;  always  having  an 
averfion  to  loitering  amongfl  friends  until 
they  flatten.  But  though  there  were  feve- 
lial  Ihips  ready  to  fail  for  Parkgate,  ,yet  I 
could  not  get  away  till  after  their  week- 
day meeting,  on  third-day,  in  Meath-Street ; 
to  which  meeting,  I  muft  fay,  I  went  with 
confiderable  reludlance,  for  the  reafon  above- 
mentioned.  But  we  are  very  fhort-fighted 
creatures;  for  this  meeting,  notwithfland- 
ing  my  unwillingnefs  to  be  at  it,  proved  a 
memorable  time;  many  country  friends  be- 
ing 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        291 

ing   ftill  in  the  city,  it  was  a  folemn  taking 
leave  one  of  another,  in  tlie  precious  flowing 
of  the  holy  unity  by  the  one  fpirit.     Next 
day  about  noon,    in  company   with  feven 
friends    intending    for   the   yearly-meeting 
in  London,  I  embarked  on  board  the  Kil- 
dare,    captain    M'Culloch,    and   landed   at 
Parkgate  about  ten  o'clock   next   morning, 
where   we  hired  horfes   and  proceeded  to- 
wards London.     But  when  we  had  travelled 
as  far  as  Coventry,  apprehending  I  might 
reach  home,  fo  as  to  have  three  whole  days 
with  my  family  before  the  yearly-meeting ; 
and  it   being  but  about  twenty  miles  more 
riding,   I  concluded  therefore  to  do  fo ;  my 
kind  friend  Robert  Lackey  agreeing  to  bear 
me  company.     This  being  on  feventh-day, 
the    17th,    we    got    to    Northampton    that 
night,    and  ftaid  their  meeting  next  day, 
which  was  fmall,    and  the  life  of  religion 
appeared    to     me    very    low   there.      The 
meeting  was  held  in  filence.     I  got  home 
on  third-day,    the  20th  of  the  5th  month, 
1760,    finding  my  dear  wife  and  family  in 
good  health,  to  our  mutual  joy  and  thank- 
fulnefs  to  the  Lord,  who  leads  out,  carries 
through,    and  brings   home  again  in  peace, 
thofe  who  truft  in  him.     Bleffed  and  praifed 
be  his  worthy  name  for  ever !      I  was  in- 
deed largely   favoured  in  the   before-men- 
tioned journey,    of  which,     for  mine   en- 
couragement   to  give    up    in  humble  con- 
fidence in  the  Lord's  power,    I  had  a  clear 
P  p  foreiight 


292        The    JOURNAL    OF  ^ 

forefight  before  I  entered  upon  it,  which  I 
efteemed  a  high  favour.  I  was  from  home 
about  twelve  weeks  and  three  days,  travel- 
led in  that  time  upwards  of  1300  miles, 
and  was  at  about  58  meetings.  Our  friend 
Robert  Lackey,  myfelf  and  wife,  went 
to  the  yearly-meeting  in  London,  which 
began  on  feventh-day  the  24th  of  the  5th 
month,  for  minifters  and  elders.  An  efta- 
blilhment,  which  I  hope  will  be  of  great 
fervice  throughout  the  fociety  in  thefe  na- 
tions ;  as  inquiries  are  made  at  this  meet- 
ing, by  calling  for  anfvvers  from  the  feve- 
ral  parts,  to  certain  queries  agreed  on,  re- 
lating to  the  condudl  of  friends  in  the  fta- 
tions  above-mentioned ;  and  advice  admini- 
ftered  as  occafion  may  require.  Common 
reafon  will  inform  us,  that  when  the  main 
pillars  give  way,  the  building  muft  inevita- 
bly fall.  It  is  therefore  prudent  to  take 
due  care  concerning  them.  An  eminent 
fervant  of  the  Lord  wifely  obferved  to  this 
efFedl,  viz.  That  there  never  was  an  apo- 
Itacy  from  the  life  and  purity  of  religion, 
until  the  minifters  and  elders  gave  way. 
How  important  then  are  their  ftations,  and 
what  great  need  have  they  themfelve-s,  and 
likewiie  the  church,  carefully  to  obferve 
Vv^hether  or  no  they  ftand  upright,  feeing 
lb  much  depends  thereon.  On  fecond-day 
following  was  opened  the  yearly-meeting  of 
bufinefs,  which  continued,  by  adjourn- 
ments, inoft  or  all  the  week;  being  a  folemn 

weighty 


I 

JOHN    GRIFFITH.        293 

weighty    meeting,    of  very   great  import- 
ance to  the  fociety:    careful  inquiries    are 
there  made,  mto  the  ftate  thereof,  in  order 
to  communicate  fuch  help,  as  in  the  wif- 
dom  of  truth  may  appear  proper  and  aecef- 
fl    I  am  free  to  give  a  ihort  account  here, 
ot  the  begmnmg  or  rife  of  one  very  import- 
ant   affair  which  came  before  this  yearly- 
meetmg,  as  I  Ihall  have  occafion  hereafter 
to  make  fome  mention  of  its  progrefs  and 
iuccefs,  VIZ.     A  nomination  of  friends,   to 
viiit  all  the  monthly   and  quarterly-meet^ 
ings  of  friends  in  this  nation,  for  their  help 
m  promoting  good  order  and  difcipline  in 
«ie  ieveral  parts.     Upon  reading  the  au- 
iwers   to    the    ufual   queries  from   the  fe- 
veral  quarterly-meetings,  great  ilacknefs  and 
unfaithfulnefs    in    divers    places    in   fome 
weighty   branches    of   our   Chriftian   tefti- 
mony  appeared,  notwithftanding  the  great 
and  earneft  endeavours  made  ufe  of  by  the 
yearly-meeting  from  year  to  year,  by  way 
ot  advice,  caution,  and  counfel:    the  fenfe 
whereof  deeply  afteaed  fome  minds,  who 
in    humble    proftration   before    the    Lord' 
were  ready  to  fay.  What  wilt  thou  do  for 
thy  great  name's  fake,  and  to  heal  the  back- 
ilidmgs  of  thy  people?  A  friend  under  this 
exercife,   and  an  awful  fenfe  of  the  divine 
prefence  which  was  near,  (lood  up,  taking- 
notice  of  the  apparent  defection  above-hint- 
ed; and  that  as  all  the  means  hitherto  uled 
by  the  truly  Ciuiftian  labour  of  preceding 

yearly- 


-94        The    JOURNAL    of 

yearly-meetings,  had  not  proved  fuflScient 
to  flop  the  declenfion,  which  feemed  rather 
to  increafe ;  that  now  it  behoved  that  meet- 
ing, deeply  and  weightily  to  confider  what 
remained  yet  to  be  done  for  the  help  and 
recovery  of  the  fociety,  to  its  ancient  purity 
and  comely  order,  or  to  that  import.  This 
feemed  to  open  the  way  for  our  worthy 
friend  Jofeph  White  of  Pennfylvania,  who 
was  then  upon  a  religious  vilit  in  this  na- 
tion, to  lay  before  that  meeting  what  he 
faid  had  been  much  upon  his  mind  mofl 
of  the  time  fince  he  landed,  and  which 
feemed  to  increafe  in  clearnefs  and 
weight  as  that  yearly-meeting  drew  near; 
and  that  he  now  found  it  was  the  proper 
time  to  deliver  the  fame,  viz.  That  the 
yearly-meeting  do  appoint  a  fuitable.  num- 
ber of  folid,  weighty,  judicious  friends,  to 
vilit  all  the  quarterly  and  monthly-meet- 
ings in  England,  therein  to  ufe  their  Chrif- 
tian  endeavours,  in  the  love  of  God,  for 
the  promotion  and  revival  of  wholefome 
difcipline,  and  the  comely  order  of  the  gof- 
pel  in  the  churches.  Great  was  the  awful 
folemnity  which  covered  the  meeting,  dur- 
ing its  deliberation  on  this  very  important 
affair.  The  weight  of  the  heavenly  power 
was  fo  exceeding  great  and  awful,  that  it 
was  very  hard  for  any  contrary  fpirits  to 
appear;  yet  objed:ions  againft  appointments 
for  fuch  fervices  were  advanced  by  fome. 
It  was  therefore  propofed,  that  friends  who 

found 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        295 

found  a  concern  on  their  minds  to  engage 
'  in  the  faid  undertaking,  would  give  in  their- 
names.  The  Lord's  heavenly  power  being 
at  work,  like  leaven,  in  the  meeting,  a 
wonderful  time  of  divine  favour  it  was, 
wherein  about  fifty-eight  offered  themfelves 
accordingly. 

Before  I  infert  any  account  of  the 
progrefs  made  in  the  above-mentioned  fer- 
vice,  I  have  to  take  notice  of  a  journey  into 
the  Weft  of  England,  which,  in  company 
with  my  friend  Richard  Brev\rfter,  I  entered 
upon  the  9th  of  the  9th  month  this  year. 
We  went  to  Plaiftow  monthly-meeting, 
where,  unexpedledly,  I  had  fome  pretty  dole 
fervice.  Next  day,  being  joined  at  London 
by  my  efteemed  friend  Thomas  Corbyn, 
w^e  proceeded  on  our  way,  in  order  to  at- 
tend the  circular  yearly-meeting  for  the 
weftern  counties,  to  be  heid  at  Wotton- 
under-Edge,  in  Gloucefterihire,  which  be- 
gan on  firft-day,  the  14th  of  the  gth 
month,  and  ended  on  the  third-day  fol- 
lowing. Many  of  our  fociety  from  divers 
pares,  attended,  and  a  vaft  c.oi>courfe  of 
other  people,  who  generally  behaved  in  a 
becoming  manner,  carrying  themfelves  very 
refpedlfully  to  friends,  and  I  hope  the  meet- 
ing was  in  the  main,  ferviceable;  yet  the 
heavenly  power  was  not  exalted  to  fo  high 
a  degree,  as  thoie  whofe  life  and  all  is 
in  it  could  have  defired.  It  is  th^t 
alone  which  is   able  to  open  people's  way 

rightly 


«96        The    JOURNAL    of 
rightly   to^  our  Sion ;    not   the    fineft   and 
moft   coni.ftent   fet  lof  principles:"curiouf^ 
%,  ^".    .f""h     and    difplayed    without  it 

tW   '    %'  '^r.  ^''^^"^  P°^^r  is  the  only 
•\xr^--  .         nic^ned.       We   went   from 

h!d?clo,^  r"\^""^-''^'  ^^  Earthcott,  and 
nn  f    cloie  fearchmg  meeting  at  Thornbury 

as  to  the  hfe  of  rehgion.     We  had  a  mp^r 
-g  next  day  at  Earth1:ott,  wherein  theTeft  I 
niony  of  truth  went  forch  very  ftarp  againft 

We^went^.^,^^^^^ 
tended  their  meeting  on  fixth-day,    where 
tmth^  and  its    teftirnony  was    exaked  over 
wrong  things;    and   unfaithful,    dXderlv 

Htf  S/r  '''  *^  ^°---n  and  autht 
ncy  thereof,  warned,  and  the  humble  fin- 
cere  traveller  Sion- ward,  comforted:  it beitg 

Die  time.  In  the  afternoon  was  held  their 
"meeting  of  minifters  an<l  elders,  whereTn 
we  had  fome  very  clofe  work  with  a  tron- 
blefome  importer,  who  had  given  fr  endc 
there  mueh  uneafmefs,  by  hfs  un/Jvo "v 
anu  unfandified  public  appearances  The 
iudg,,ent  of  truth  wis  fet  Z.,  him   ^hoiTgh 

On  fiiR-day,    the  21ft,    we  attended  three 

meetings 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        297 

meetings  there;  and  notwithftanding  the 
mournful  declenfion  fo  vilible  amonglt 
friends  in  that  city,  yet  the  Lord  graciouily 
appeared  for  their  help  and  recovery ;  open- 
ing the  dodtrine  of  truth  in  a  clear  and 
plentiful  manner  to  their  feveral  ftates, 
with  which  many  appeared  pretty  much  af- 
fed:ed.  And  although  there  is  yet  much 
caufe  to  lament  their  degeneracy  in  too 
general  a  way,  yet  I  hope  and  believe 
there  hath  been  a  confiderable  reviving 
in  the  beft  fenfe,  amongft  fome  of  them^ 
efpecially  the  youth,  fince  I  was  there  be- 
fore. On  fecond-day  morning  we  had  a 
thorough  rouling  meeting  at  Portfhead  in. 
Somerfetftiire,  and  in  the  afternoon  a  large 
mieeting  at  Clareham;  the  latter  was 
exceeding  cloudy  and  aifHiding  for  a  con- 
fiderable time ;  but  at  length,  it  pleafed  the 
Lord  to  arife  and  to  give  the  word,  with 
underftanding  to  divide  the  fame  in  a  plain, 
powerful  manner,  and  a  very  awakening 
time  it  was;  it  went  forth  very  fliarp  a- 
gainft  indifFerency  and  empty  formality, 
which  greatly  depreffed  the  true  feed  in 
that  meeting:  I  hope  it  was  a  profitable 
time.  On  third-day  we  had  a  very  open, 
ferviceable  meeting  at  Sedcott;  the  tefti- 
mony  of  truth  flowed  forth  freely  to  the 
feveral  dates  of  thofe  prefent.  After  meet- 
ing we  vv-ent  to  Bridgwaier.  On  fourth-day 
was  held  the  quarterly-meeting  for  Sonier- 

fcr. 


298        The    journal    of 

fet.       In    the    forenoon   we    had   a    large 
meeting  for  worfliip,    both  of  friends  and 
others ;  fome  previous  endeavours,  I  under- 
llood  had  beeii  ufed,    to  invite  the  neigh- 
bours, which,  I  think,  was  iK)t  well  judg- 
ed, neither  fhould  I  have  encouraged  it  at 
fuch  a  time,    had   I  been  confulted.      The 
leadings   and  poiiitiug^  our  of  truth  fliould 
be   always   minded,    in  calling  or  inviting 
people  of  other  perfuafions  to  our  meetings ; 
for  I  have  fometimes  thought  them  a  bar  in 
the  way  of  dealing  fuitably  with  profefTors 
of  the  truth,    and   therefore  it  is  my  judg- 
ment, they  ftiould  not  be  called  to  our  meet- 
ings, unlefs  thcle  who  travel  in  the  fervice 
of  truth  fignify  their  defire  to  have  it  fo, 
to  thofe  who  have  the  care  of   appointing 
meetings.     The  power  of  the  gofpel,  open- 
ing and  exalting  the  dodrine   thereof,  was 
Hvingly  and  comfortably  extended  in  that 
meeting;    yet   I  apprehended,    other  people 
were  then   rather  in  the  way  of  our  hand- 
ling the  ftate  of  fome  profellors  there,  in  a 
manner  truth  would  have  led  to,  had  friends 
been  by  themfelves.*    The  meeting  of  bu- 
finefs  followed,  and  was   adjourned  till   the 
afternoon,    wherein    truth  appeared  to  the 
help   of  thofe  who  know  their  fufficiency 
to   be  of  God.      We  who  were  Grangers, 
had   good    fervice   therein.      Next   morning 
w^e  parted  with  my  friend  Thomas  Corbyn, 
who  returned  home,  and  my  companion  and 
I  proceeded  on  our  journey.  We  had  a  meet- 
ing 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         299 

ing  at  Taunton,  on  fifth-day  morning,  and 
at  Milverton  in  the  evening.  At  both 
which  I  had  clofe  fervice,  tending  to  llir 
friends  up  to  more  Hvely  zeai  and  reUgi- 
ous  concern  of  mind.  On  fixth-day  we 
had  a  painful  laborious  meeting  at  Welling- 
ton. The  teftimony  of  truth  went  forth 
very  clofe  and  fharp  againft  thofe,  who, 
under  the  profeffion  thereof,  bow  down 
to  the  world,  and  its  perifliing  enjoyments* 
It  appeared  to  me,  the  life  of  religion  was 
much  depreiTed  in  that  meeting.  On  feventh- 
day  we  had  a  meeting  at  Cullumpton,  which 
was  a  cloudy  trying  time  mod  of  the  meet- 
ing; yet  towards  the  conclufion,  truth  ob- 
tained the  victory,  and  coniiderable  domini- 
on over  things  of  a  contrary  nature  to  itfelf* 
We  went  after  meeting  to  Exeter,  and  on 
fir^-day,  the  28th,  were  at  two  meetings 
there;  and  although  their  number  appeared 
confiderable,  yet  that  holy  living  fenfe  and 
weight  of  divine  virtue  which  is  the  crov/a 
and  diadem  of  all  our  religous  alTemblies, 
was  very  low,  and  little  telt,  through  the 
too  general  flacknefs  and  lukev\farmnefs  of 
profeiTors,  confequently,  not  much  coviid  be 
done  towards  exalting  truth's  teftimony  a- 
mongil  them.  On  fecond-day  we  went  to  Bo- 
vey,  and  had  a  poor,  laborious  meeting,  there 
being  very  few,  if  any,  that  I  could  fine], 
truly  alive  in  religion.  When  that  is  felc 
to  be  the  ftate  of  any  meeting,  oh!  whac 


3O0        The    JOURNAL    of 

pain  and  anxiety  covers  the  hearts  of  poor 
travellers  in  the  fervlce  of  the  gofpel !  The 
next  day  we  w^ent  to  King's-bridge,  and  on 
fourth  and  fifth-day  attended  the  quarter- 
ly-meeting for  Devonfliire  held  there; 
wherein  the  great  mafter  of  our  airemblies 
gracioufly  condefcended  to  their  very  low, 
weak,  and  unfkilful  Hate,  opening  doclrine 
and  counfel  for  their  help ;  furfiilhing  w4th 
clofe  admonition  to  fuch  in  high  ftations, 
wdio  either  indulged  themfelves  or  families 
in  undue  liberties,  tending  to  lay  a  people 
wafte,  whom  the  Lord,  by  an  out-ftretched 
arm,  gathered  out  of  the  fafliions  anci 
changeable  culloms  of  a  vain  world,  to 
himlelf  the  unchangeable  fountain  of  good. 
On  fixth  and  feventh  days  we  travelled 
through  Plymouth  and  fundry  other  towns, 
to  Penryn,  in  Cornwall,  and  had  two  opeUj 
precious  meetings  at  Falmouth,  on  firft- 
day,  the  fifth  of  the  loth  month.  On 
fecond-day,  accompanied  by  many  friends^ 
w^e  went  to  Penzance,  where,  on  third-day, 
was  held  the  quarterly-meeting  for  Corn- 
wall. Truth  wonderfully  appeared  in  that 
meeting,  confidering  their  low,  weak,  and 
unfaithful  (late.  The  teftimony  thereof 
was  much  exalted,  and  went  forth  with 
clearnefs  and  good  demouilration  to  their 
ftates,  and  the  meeting  appeared  to  be  mvich 
afFedled  therewith.  There  was  alfo  fome,- 
thing  very  encouraging  to  the  honed- heart- 
ed;   I    hope  it  was   a   time  of   awakening 

and 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        301 

and  profit  to  many.  In  the  evening  we 
had  what  was  called  a  feiedl  meeting,  for 
minifters  and  elders;  but  it  was  fo  far  from 
felecl,  that  the  fervice  feemed  to  be  wholly 
obftruded,  by  the  crouding  in  of  many 
who  were  not  fit  to  be  admitted  into  fuch 
meetings;  where  minifters  and  elders  may^ 
and  often  are  concerned  co  ufe  fuch  freedoms, 
in  advice,  caution,  and  counfel,  as  would 
be  altogether  unluitable  for  thofe  who  are 
raw  and  inexperienced  to  be  privy  to,  as 
they  might  be  likely  to  make  improper  ufe 
thereof.  I  laid  before  friends  the  hurt  and 
difadvantage  of  fuch  a  promifcuous  gather- 
ing, upon  that  occafion,  and  advifed  them 
to  be  careful  not  to  lay  wade  the  fervice  of 
thofe  meetings  for  the  future;  for  I  found 
myfelf  much  ftraitened,  as  I  could  not, 
v^itli  prudence,  deliver  what  feemed  to  ap- 
pear before  the  view  of  my  mind  at  that 
time,  for  the  reafon  above-mentioned.  On 
fourth-day,  the  concluding  meeting  was 
held  at  Market- Jew,  wdierein  truth  and 
the  teftimony  thereof  was  comfortably  ex- 
alted. But,  alas!  forrovv^ful  is  the  declen- 
lion  of  the  fociety  in  thofe  parts,  both  as  to 
number,  and  a  holy  living  zeal;  yet  mer- 
ciful goodnefs  was  largely  and  affe6lingly 
extended  for  their  help  and  recovery. 
From  thence  Vv^e  took  the  following  meet- 
ings in  our  return  to  Plymouth,  viz. 
Auftel,  Lifkard,  and  Germans,  where  I 
found  the  life  of  religion  mournfully  low 

ahcl 


S02        The    JOURNAL    of 

and  deprefied ;  yet  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to 
open  the  v/ay  to  fome,  I  hope  profitable 
endeavours  tor  their  reviving,  in  the  exer- 
cile  whereof  I  had  peace.  1  attended  Ply- 
mouth meetings  on  firft-day,  the  12th. 
This  was  a  very  painful,  laborious  time,  as 
but  very  little  of  the  life  and  holy  efficacy 
of  true  religion  had  place,  moil  under  our 
profeffion  having  made  large  advances  to- 
wards the  world,  and  but  tew  endued  with 
Chriliian  courage  to  make  a  ftand  againft 
prevailing  undue  liberties.  The  flate  of 
a  meeting  beii  g  thus,  oh,  how  doth  death^ 
darknef^,  and  mfenfibility  gain  the  afcen- 
dancy  !  My  fpirit  was  deeply  afilidled  at 
that  place,  yet  1  was,  through  divine  favour, 
enabled  to  clear  myfelf  of  the  fervice  re- 
quired ;  wlicrebv  I  had  fome  relief.  We 
travelled  from  thence  diredlly  to  Exeter, 
and  on  third' day  attended  a  meeting  there,  * 
appointed  for  the  accomplifliment  of  a  mar- 
riage. Truth  mercifully  opened  the  way  j 
to  lome  fatisfaclion,  in  the  difcharge  of  the  '■ 
fervice  required,  to  the  advantage  of  the 
meeting.  From  thence  we  went  to  Chard, 
and  had  a  very  fmall  poor  meeting  there  on 
fifth-day  morning,  and  w^as  deeply  affecfled 
with  their  low  weak  ftate.  I  had  a  pretty 
thorough  ferviccable  meeting  in  the  after- 
noon, at  Ihniniter;  though  I  felt  much 
pain  of  mind  there  alfo,  in  a  fenfe  of  that 
which  hath  almoit  laid  our  fbciety  wafte  ia 
(qwx.:^    and   exceedingly    hurt    it    in   mod 

places, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         50^ 

places,  viz.  the  inordinate  love  of  earthly- 
things;  and  refting  iktisfied  in  a  profeffion 
of  religion  only.  "We  took  the  following 
meetii  gs  in  our  way  to  Bath,  viz.  Yeovil, 
Long  button,  Grinton,  Shepton-Mallet, 
Froome,  Hallawtrow,  and  Belton;  where 
things,  as  to  the  life  and  true  feeling  fcnfc 
of  religion,  appear  but  low  in  general ;  yet 
merciful  kindnefs  was  extended,  in  a  live- 
ly, open,  large,  and  powerful  manner, 
both  immediately  and  initru mentally,  in 
order  to  quicken,  reflore,  and  turn  a* 
gain  backfliding  Ifrael.  On  firil-day,  the 
26th  of  the  loth  month,  we  attended  two 
meetings  at  Bath,  w^hich  were  indeed  pain- 
ful and  very  afflidling,  as  the  grandeur, 
friendfliip,  and  vain  cuftoms  of  this  world, 
feem  to  have  almoft  erafed  from  moft  of 
their  minds,  the  defire  of  feeking  happinefs 
in  another:  yet  merciful  condefcenlion 
was  remarkably  extended,  in  fome  earnell 
and  awakening  endeavours,  to  bring  them 
to  a  right  fenfe  of  things.  On  fecond-day 
morning  we  fet  our  faces  homewards,  where, 
to  my  great  fatisfadtion  I  arrived  on  fourth- 
day  in  the  evening,  and  found  my  dear  wife 
and  family  well ;  having  been  out  this 
journey  feven  weeks  and  two  days,  in  which 
time,  by  account,  we  travelled  upwards  of" 
Soo  miles,  and  were  at  about  51  meetings. 

Purfuant  to  the  direcftion  and  appomt- 
ment  of  the  yearly-meeting  1760,  for  vifit- 
ing  the  monthly  and  quarterly  meetings  of 

friends. 


364        The    JOURNAL    of 

friends  in  this  nation;  on  the  nth  day 
of  the  I  ft  month,  1761,  my  efteemed  friends, 
John  Emms,  Matthew  Mellor,  Thomas 
Corbyn,  and  Jofeph  Taylor,  joined  me  at 
Chehiisford,  we  having  before  agreed  (by 
divine  permiffion)  to  vifit  the  monthly  and 
quarterly-meetings  of  friends,  in  Eflex, 
Suffolk,  Norfolk,  Cambridgefhire,  Hun- 
tingtonfliire,  the  Ifle  of  Ely,  Hertford- 
fliire,  and  Bedfordfliire.  The  next  day,  be- 
ing the  1 2th,  our  monthly  meeting  was 
held,  wherein  the  above-named  friends  had 
good  fervice,  tending  to  promote  difcipline 
and  good  order  amongft  us.  The  blelTed 
eiEcacy  of  the  living  word  accompanied 
their  honeft  labours,  which  rendered  the 
fame  very  acceptable  to  fome,  and  I  hope  of 
general  advantage  for  the  promotion  of 
truth.  The  14th  we  vifited  Felfted  month- 
ly-meeting, held  at  Stebbing;  the  ftate  of 
which  appeared  very  low  and  weak,  through 
the  defedlion  and  lukewarmnefs  of  many 
members,  whereby  the  life  of  religion  was 
greatly  depreffed;  yet  the  Lord  w^as  graci- 
oufly  pleafed  to  arife,  for  his  great  name 
and  people's  fake,  in  whofe  living  power 
and  v/ifdcm  m.uch  labour  was  beftowed 
for  their  help  and  recovery;  a  few  fincere- 
hearted  members  amongft  themfelves,  join- 
ing with  us  herein.  The  i6Lh  we  vifited 
Thaxfted  monthly-meeting,  and  by  inquiry 
made,  it  appeared,  many  of  their  members 
were    very    flack    and    defective  in  divers 

branches 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        305 

branches  of  our  Chriflian  teftimony;  and 
moft  of  the  adlive  members  had  but 
little  experience  in  the  eflential  qualifica- 
tions for  efFedual  fervice  in  the  church, 
which  muft  all  proceed  immediately  from 
the  great  Father  of  lights  and  fpirits.  It 
would  be  very  abfurd  to  imagine  a  lefs  or 
inferior  ability  to  adminifter  jufcice  and 
found  judgment,  were  neceffary  under  this 
higher  and  more  glorious  difpenfation,  than 
was  received  by  thofe  who  judged  and 
ruled  for  God  in  the  Ifraelidfli  church ;  it 
being  evident  the  Lord  was  pleafcd  to 
put  his  fpirit  upon  thofe  who  had  the 
weight  of  the  affairs  of  that  church  upon 
them,  both  in  their  wildernefs  flate  of  pro- 
bation, and  after  they  quietly  poflefFed  the 
promifed  l^nd.  But  the  fupernatural  en- 
dowment, fo  efTential  as  above  hinted,  is 
not  within  our  reach  as  men,  neither  is 
it  given  to  us,  until  we  are  emptied  of  our 
own  wifdom,  and  diverted  of  all  depend- 
ance  upon  human  accomplilhments. 

Our  holy  head  was  pleafcd  to  furnifh  us 
with  wifdom  and  ftrength,  fuitabk  to  the 
ftate  of  that  meeting,  for  their  information 
and  help ;  and  the  blefled  vif  tue  of  trutli 
prevailed,  to  the  tendering  of  their  fpirits. 
The  next  monthly-meeting  vifited  was 
Coggefliall,  on  fecond-day,  the  19th,  but 
as  I  did  not  attend  that  meeting,  I  cannot 
fay  further  concerning  it,  than  that  I  un- 
derftood  it  was  a  ferviceable  time ;    much 

weighty 


3o6        The    JOURNAL    of 

weighty  advice  and  counfel  being  admini- 
ftered,  to  mutual  fatisfac5lion  and  comfort. 
The  21(1  we  vifited  Colchefter  monthly- 
meeting,  where,  though  the  life  of  religion 
appeared  low,  and  feveral  diforders  had 
crept  in,  yet  divine  goodnefs  was  extended 
in  a  powerful  manner  for  their  help,  en- 
lightening the  fpirits  of  fome  to  fearch  the 
camp,  and  to  point  out  how  to  proceed  in 
reftoring  that  which  had  been  turned  out  of 
the  way.  The  22d,  Manningtree  monthly- 
meeting  was  held  at  Colchefter,  in  which, 
through  the  pure  efficacy  of  heavenly  love 
and  wiftlom,  much  fervent  labour  was  be- 
ftowed,  for  the  awakening  and  ftirring  up 
the  feveral  me^r^bers  to  a  faithful  difcharge 
of  their  refpedtive  duties.  But,  alas  I 
through  the  great  unfairhfulnefs  of  many, 
difcipline  was  but  little  maintained,  in  a 
manner  agreeable  to  its  dignity  and  worth  j 
confequently  the  life  of  religion  was  very 
low.  From  Colchefter  we  went  to  Edmund's- 
Bury,  in  Suffolk,  and  vificed  their  monthly- 
meeting  the  24th.  It  was  a  time  of  re- 
markable favour  extended,  truth  bowing 
the  fpirits  of  friends  into  an  humble, 
teachable  ftate,  and,  at  the  fame  time,  af- 
fording plenty  of  fuitable  counfel,  which 
was  kindly  received  by  divers  members  of 
that  meeting,  with  whom  we  had  near 
union  and  great  fatisfaclion ;  feveral  being 
willing  to  engage  in  the  work  of  reforma- 
tion, which  appeared  neceflary.     The  26th 

we 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        307 

we   vlfited   Woodbridge    monthly- meeting, 
in     which    the    Lord,      according    to    his 
wonted  merciful    kindnefs,     appeared    not 
only  in  fpreading  the  awful  canopy  of  his 
divine   power  over  the  meeting,    but  alfo, 
in  gracioufly  condefcending  to  be  a  fpirit  of 
judgment  and  counfel,  for  the  help  and  re- 
covery of  a  declining  people;  under  the  en- 
joyment  of    which    divine    favour,    much 
labour  was  beftowed,  and  (as  far  as  appeared) 
was   well  received.      The  28th  we    vifited 
Beccles  monthly-meeting,  where  things  ap- 
peared very  low  and  much  out  of  order; 
the   fpirit   and   wifdom   of   man   appeared 
much  to  rule  and  adl  amongft  them,  which 
is  fond  of  fmoothing  over,    and  daubing 
with  untempered   mortar,    crying.    Peace, 
when  there  is  no  peace.     In  this  difficult 
mournful  ftate  of  things,  the  divine  helper, 
in   whom  our  only  dependance  remained, 
was  near,    giving  judgment  to  affign  the 
living  child  to  the  proper  mother,   and  to 
judge  down  wrong  things,  in  whatever  fta- 
tions  they  appeared.     The  29th  we  vifited 
Tivetfhall  monthly-meeting,  in  Norfolk,  in 
which,    though  large,  as  being  compofed  of 
many  members,  yet  very  great  flacknefs  and 
unfaithfulnefs  appeared  in  divers  important 
refpedls;    notwithftanding  which,    we  had, 
with  thankful  acknowledgments,    to  expe- 
rience   the    awful    prefence   of   the   Lord, 
who  is  the  only  ftrength  and  fufficiency  of 
his  little  ones;  under  the  blefled  influence 
R  r  whereof, 


3o8        The    JOURNAL    of 

whereof,  great  and  deep  labours  were  b^- 
ftowed,  for  the  reviving  our  Chriftian  dif- 
cipline,  and  promoting  the  good  order  of 
the  gofpel;  the  teftimony  of  truth  being 
maintained  againft  wrong  things  in  that 
meeting,  with  authority  and  clearnefs; 
the  power  thereof  fubjedling  (for  the  pre- 
fent  at  leaft)  all  of  a  contrary  nature  to  it- 
felf.  On  the  2d  of  the  2d  month,  we 
vifited  the  monthly-meeting  of  Wymond-^ 
ham,  wherein,  on  the  ufual  inquiries,  things 
appeared  very  affli(5ling,  through  the  great 
defedion  of  many ;  the  few  who  were  con- 
cerned for  good  order,  were  weak  and 
much  difcouraged,  fo  that  very  little  wag 
done  to  maintain  our  wholefome  difcipline, 
by  ^vifiting  and  labouring  with  the  un- 
faithTul  and  diforderly  walkers:  yet  the 
Lord,  in  great  condefcenfion,  appeared 
wonderfully  for  their  and  our  help,  ex- 
tending much  advice  and  counfel,  and  giv- 
ing us  wifdom  and  ftrength  to  contend 
earneftly  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  faints ;  which  faith  is  to  be  demon- 
flrated  by  works  conliftent  therewith.  The 
teftimony  of  truth  was  greatly  exalted  over 
all  fuch,  as  through  a  mean  compliance 
with  wrong  things,  had  mournfully  deviated 
therefrom.  The  3d  we  vifited  their  meet- 
ing of  minifters  and  elders  at  Norwich, 
where  the  flate  of  the  members  was  in- 
quired into,  by  means  of  queries  proper  to 
fuch   meetings ;    folid    and  weighty  advice 

was 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        369 

was  given,  where  any  deficiency  appeared* 
Although  I  have  not  before  now  diftin6lly 
mentioned  our  vifits  to  feledl  meetings,  yet 
we  had  fuch  opportunities  in  moft  or  all 
the  monthly-meetings  where  fuch  meetings 
were  fettled.  On  the  4th  of  the  2d  month, 
we  vifited  the  monthly-meeting  of  Nor- 
wich, which  was  very  large,  confiding  both 
of  the  men  and  women  friends ;  it  being 
our  method,  during  our  labours  at  the 
monthly-meetings,  to  have  the  company  of 
both  fexes.  Through  the  over-fhadowing  of 
divine  power,  it  was  a  folemn  awful  time, 
of  which  friends  in  general  appeared  to 
be  fenfible,  as  a  remarkable  ftillnefs  and 
patience  was  abode  in,  for  the  fpace  of  about 
fix  hours  and  a  half,  being  the  time  of  the 
meeting's  continuance;  though  a  motion 
was  made  fooner  for  our  women  friends  to 
withdraw,  left  fome  weak  conftitutions 
might  be  injured  by  long  fitting,  &c.  yet 
their  fpirits  being  fo  ftayed  and  bowed  down 
under  a  fenfe  of  heavenly  good,  they  did 
not  accept  the  liberty  given,  but  con- 
tinued to  the  breaking  up  of  the  meeting. 
We  found  a  vakiable  body  of  friends  in 
that  city,  and  difcipline,  in  the  main,  well 
fupported;  yet  there  appeared  great  danger 
of  the  prevalence  of  earthly-mindednefs,  in 
fome,  and  grandeur  and  wifdom  abcn^e 
the  fimplicity  of  the  truth,  in  others ; 
which,  if  not  guarded  againfl:,  miglit  in- 
trude itfelf  to  a(5t  and  govern  in  the  church ; 

of 


3IO        The    JOURNAL    of 

of  which  friends  were  warned,  and  through 
the  efFedlual  opening  of  the  fountain  of 
wi^fdom  and  knowledge,  much  caution  and 
counfel  were  admin iilered,  to  mutual  edi- 
fication and  comfort.  On  the  6th  of  the 
2d  month  we  vifited  the  monthly-meet- 
ing of  North-Walfham,  where  we  found  an 
honeft  fincere  remnant  concerned  to  main- 
tain the  principles  of  truth,  by  a  condudl 
conliftent  therewith;  yet  a  great  defedlion 
appeared  in  fome  important  branches  of  our 
Chriftian  teftimony;  the  monthly-meeting 
not  having  difcharged  its  incumbent  duty, 
by  way  of  admonition  and  dealing  with 
fuch  members.  Truth  opened  our  war  in 
much  plainnefs  and  clofe  labour,  in  order 
to  bring  the  unfaithful  to  a  right  fenfe  of 
their  ftates,  and  to  revive  and  promote  our 
Chriftian  difcipHne,  as  a  means  to  reftore 
ancient  beauty,  and  a  good  favour  amongft 
men.  The  path  of  the  juft,  in  which  our 
worthy  predecefTors  carefully  walked,  was 
clearly  opened  before  friends  in  that  meet- 
ing ;  the  judgment  of  truth  being  fet  over 
thofe  who  had  erred  and  ft  rayed  therefrom, 
in  this  day  of  outward  eafe  and  liberty. 
The  9th  we  vifited  Wells  monthly-meet- 
ing, in  which  humbling  goodnefs  prevailed, 
to  the  great  comfort  and  ftrength  of  the 
upright-hearted;  in  a  living  lenfe  of  the 
free  extendings  whereof,  much  labour  was 
beftowed  to  reftore  good  order  and  difcipline 
in  every  part,  by  iirft  endeavouring  to  re- 
move 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        311 

move    thofe  impediments   which   appeared 
in  the  way.     It  was   a  time  of  fweet  com- 
fort in  a  faithful  difcharge  of  duty.     The 
nth    we    vifited    Lynn    monthly-meeting, 
wherein   our   fpirits    were   deeply    afflicted 
under  a  cloud  of  darknefs,    which  feemed 
to  over-fliadow  that  meeting,  occafioned  by 
the  prevalence  of    wrong  things  in  many 
of  the  members,  and  their  great  neglecl  of 
the  due  execution  of  wholeibme  difcipline. 
Much  labour  was  bellowed  in  order  for  a 
regulation,    but,  alas !    great  weaknefs   and 
tm£kilfulnefs    appeared;    neither  was   there 
that  opennefs  to  receive  help,  waiich  we  could 
have  defired  in  the  general;  may  alfo  add, 
we  had  frelh  occalion  to  fay,  that  nothing 
but  an  underftanding  renewed  from  above, 
is  capable  of  labouring  fuccefsfuUy  for  the 
maintaining  our  Ghriftian  difcipline.     Oh ! 
that  this  important  point  was  duly  confider- 
ed  by  all  active  members.       The   13th  we 
vifited  the  monthly-meeting  of   Wifbeach, 
in  the   Ifle  of  Ely;  it  was  a  fmall  meeting, 
as   but  few  members  belong  thereto.      By 
inquiry,    it  appeared,    llacknefs  and  difor- 
der  had  prevailed  on  fome,    and  things  in 
general  were  but  low;  yet  an  opennefs  was 
felt  to  receive  proper  advice   and    counfel, 
which,  through  the  gracious   extendings  of 
heavenly     help,      was    freely    and    largely 
communicated.      We    had  caufe  to  believe 
truth  was  at  work  in   the  hearts  of  a  few, 
in  order  to  prepare  them  for  fervice;  hav- 
ing 


312        The    JOURNAL    of 


o 


ing  eafe  and  fatisfadlion  in  our  labours  a- 
mongfl;  them,  and  hoping  this  vifit  would 
prove  of  confiderable  help  to  that  meet- 
ing. The  17th  we  vifited  the  monthly- 
meeting  at  Ives,  wherein  we  had  painful 
labour,  and  found  things  much  out  of 
order,  which  had  caufed  darknefs  to  be 
felt,  and  an  ill-favour;  fome  of  the  adlive 
members  did  not  appear  to  us  rightly  to 
know  what  fpirits  they  were  of;  however, 
we  found  they  v/ere  not  one  with  us  in 
our  fervice,  which  was  indeed  very  clofe 
and  fearching  to  all  ftations  in  the  church, 
as  it  appeared  all  had  need  of  help,  and  to 
look  more  narrowly  to  their  Handing.  Di- 
vine goodnefs  was  gracioufly  with  us,  and 
carried  us  through,  to  our  eafe  and  fatis- 
fadlion  in  a  good  degree.  But,  alas !  we 
have  fometimes  caufe  to  fee,  that  our  dif- 
cipline  does  not  profper  when  managed  , 
with  unfandlified  hands.  The  i8th  we  vi-  | 
fited  Hadingham  monthly-meeting,  and 
found  things  very  low,  as  to  the  life  of 
religion,  confequently  as  to  good  order  and 
difcipline;  yet  fome  appeared  hopeful, 
tender,  and  defirous  of  a  proper  regulation 
in  the  affairs  of  the  church,  with  whom 
vv^e  had  good  fatisfadlion  in  our  labours  for 
their  improvement,  which  I  hope  was  not 
in  vain.  The  20th  of  the  2d  month,  we, 
vifited  the  monthly-meeting  of  Royfton,  in 
Hertfordfliire ;  the  ftate  of  which  appeared 
much  out  of  order;  diicipline  was  in  the 

main 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        313^ 

main  negledled.  Very  deep  and  painful  was 
our  labour,  under  a  mournful  fenfe  of  that 
grofs  darknefs  which  had  prevailed,  by 
xeafon  of  unfaithfulnefs ;  yet  the  Lord  was 
gracioufly  with  us,  and  the  teftimony  of 
truth  was  exalted  over  the  heads  of  difor- 
<ierly  walkers,  and  all  thofe,  who,  by  a 
mean  temporizing  fpirit,  had  violated  fome 
principal  branches  of  our  Chriftian  tefti- 
mony. We  were  unanimoufly  of  opinion^ 
that  the  monthly-meeting  of  Royfton,  in 
its  prefent  ftate,  was  too  weak  to  manage 
the  weighty  affairs  proper  to  a  monthly- 
meeting,  and  therefore  propofed  their  being 
joined  to  Baldock  and  Hitchin ;  which, 
upon  a  folid  deliberation,  was  agreed  to, 
and  hath  been  lince  effected,  to  the  great 
fatisfadlion  of  friends  who  have  the  prof- 
perity  of  truth  at  heart.  The  23d  v^e  vi- 
fited  Hertford  monthly-meeting,  in  which 
heavenly  wifdom  and  merciful  help  (as  at 
other  places)  were  largely  extended,  to  the 
encouragement  of  a  few  lincere  labourers 
amongft  them,  as  well  as  to  the  warning 
and  ilirring  up  of  carelefs,  unfaithful  pro- 
feffors :  for  indeed,  there  appeared  much 
ilacknefs  in  too  many,  in  not  improving 
thofe  talents  God  had  given  them.  The 
24th,  we  vifited  thofe  under  our  profeffion 
at  Coterhill-head,  called  a  monthly-meet- 
ing; but,  alas!  upon  inquiry,  we  found 
but  very  little  done  of  the  bufmefs  proper 
to  a  m.onthly-meeting;    neither  vf as  it  held 

in 


314        The    JOURNAL    of 

in  due  courfe,  but  rather  occafionally,  for 
fome  particular  purpofes ;  and  when  the 
Hate  of  the  members  appeared,  we  did  not 
marvel  thereat,  feeing  moft  of  them  were 
■unfaithful  in  regard  to  that  important  tefti- 
mony,  againft  tithes  and  other  anti-chrif- 
tian  demands  of  that  nature:  other  great 
diforders  alfo  had  crept  in,  nor  can  any 
other  be  reafonably  expedled,  where  per- 
fons  are  fo  void  of  a  right  underftanding, 
as  to  facrifice  that  noble  teftimony;  they 
have  not  ftrength  to  maintain  other  branches 
in  a  confiftent  efficacious  manner,  fo  that 
where  this  defe6lion  hath  prevailed,  we  have 
obferved  the  moft  eflential  part  in  religion 
(amongft  us  as  a  people)  has  fallen  with 
it:  meetings  for  worfhip  and  difcipline 
are  neglected,  and  if  fometimes  held  by 
fuch,  they  are  to  little  good  purpofe;  plain- 
nefs  and  felf-denial  are  departed  from :  this 
hard,  dark,  tithe-paying  fpirit  is  fo  blind, 
as  to  fee  but  little  in  any  branch  of  our 
teftimony,  wherein  there  is  a  crofs  to  the 
carnal  mind.  Upon  folid  confideration 
we  did  not  think,  that  ufing  endeavours 
to  regulate  that  meeting,  in  its  (ituation  at 
that  time,  would  anfwer  any  good  purpofe ; 
but  the  great  thing  pointed  out  to  us  in 
the  Hght  of  truth,  was  its  being  dif- 
folved,  and  that  the  members  thereof  might 
be  joined  to  Hertford  monthly-meeting; 
whicji  had  been  endeavoured  for  feveral 
years,    both     by   their    quarterly-meeting, 

and 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        315 

and  alfo  feveral  committees  of  the  yearly- 
meeting,  which  had  not,  till  now,  proved 
fuccefsful,  as  the  confent  of  mofl  of  the 
members  could  not  be  obtained:  but  this 
meeting,  through  divine  favour,  was  won- 
derfully overlhadowed  with  a  folemn  weight 
of  heavenly  power,  which  awed  and  tender- 
ed their  fpirits,  and  at  the  fame  time  merci- 
fully enabled  us  clearly  to  demonftrate, 
that  they  contended  only  for  the  name  of 
a  monthly- meeting;  feeing  the  fervice  of 
fuch  a  meeting  was  not  anfwered,  fcarcely 
in  any  inftance.  They  at  length  generally 
yielded,  and  a  minute  was  made  to  propole 
a  jun6lion  with  Hertford,  which  is  fince 
effedled,  to  the  great  eafe  and  fatisfadlion 
of  friends.  I  cannot  well  avoid  remarking 
here,  the  very  great  hurt  and  obftrudlion 
to  the  progrefs  of  truth,  which  I  have 
divers  times,  with  forrow  of  heart,  ob- 
ferved  to  arife  by  fonie  adlive  members 
from  private  views,  flrenuoufly  wlth- 
ftandlng  the  pointings  of  divine  wiidom, 
for  the  help  and  prefer  v  a  tion  of  the 
body,  which  doubtlefs  is  in  the  Lord's 
fight,  a  crime  of  a  very  ofFenfive  nature; 
therefore  all  ihould  greatly  dread  being  in 
any  degree  guilty  thereof.  Let  us  therefore, 
at  all  times,  carefully  examine  what  ground 
we  adl  upon  in  the  church  of  God,  whe- 
ther we  always  preferve  the  fingle  eye,  being 
cloathed  with  that  pure  charity  which 
feeketh  not  her  own,  and  filled  with  that 
S  s  univei'fal 


3i6        The    JOURNAL    of 

univerfal  fplrit,  that  carefully  promotes  the' 
good  of  the  whole,  without  refpecl  of  per- 
foiis.  The  25th  we  vifited  Hitchin  month- 
ly-meeting, where  we  found  a  valuable 
folid  body  of  friends,  and  difclpline  w^ell 
maintained  in  mod  of  its  branches.  Hea- 
venly goodnefs  over-fiiadowed  that  meeting, 
whereby  underftanding  was  given  to  admi- 
nifler  fuitable  caution  and  counfel ;  particu- 
larly to  point  out  the  great  danger  of  fitting 
down  at  eafe,  in  a  becoming  decent  form, 
even  after  being  eminently  favoured,  both 
with  the  dew  of  heaven  and  the  fatnefs 
of  the  earth ;  notwithftanding  which, 
there  muft  be  a  perfevering  in  an  earned 
labour  for  daily  bread,  feeing  nothing  be- 
yond this  can  be  attained  by  us,  whilft  in 
a  militant  ft  ate.  On  the  27  th  we  vifited 
the  monthly- meeting  of  Ampthill,  in  Bed- 
fordfliire,  the  Lord's  awful  prefence  being 
near,  as,  through  infinite  mercy,  was  gene- 
rally the  cafe;  this  opened  the  way  for  a 
clofe  and  diligent  inquiry  into  the  ftate  of 
that  meeting.  Things  appeared  low  and 
pretty  much  out  of  order;  the  aclive  mem- 
bers having  here,  as  in  many  other  places, 
too  much  neglected  a  deep  and  painful  la- 
bour for  a  better  regulation.  Endeavours 
were  ufed,  in  order  to  ftir  up  and  provoke 
to  love  and  good  v^rorks,  by  diligently  ex- 
pending a  care  over  the  whole  liock,  that 
ib  all  might  be  brought  into  the  comely 
order  of  the  gcfpcl.  On  the  28th  we  vifit- 
\  ed 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        317 

€(1  Luton  monthly-meeting;  it  was  fmall, 
flacknefs  and  the  want  of  right  zeal  ap- 
peared; alfo  fome  diforders  crept  in,  yet 
there  feemed  opennefs  in  the  minds  of 
friends  to  receive  advice  and  counfel, 
which,  through  divine  aid,  were  largely 
adminiftered ;  and  I  hope  the  labour  of  that 
day  was  beneficial  to  divers  of  the  mem- 
bers, and  may  prove  a  lading  advantage  to 
that  meeting.  The  2d  of  the  3d  month, 
we  vilited  Alban's  monthly-meeting,  held 
at  Charley- w^ood,  where,  on  the  ufaal  in- 
quiries, things  appeared  very  low  and  much 
out  of  order;  yet  divine  favour  was  largely 
and  livingly  extended  for  their  help  and  re- 
covery; in  an  humble  fenfe  whereof,  much 
endeavours  v/ere  ufed  to  promote  a  better 
regulation;  firft,  by  the  a6live  members 
taking  heed  to  themfelves,  that  they  might 
be  endued  with  ancient  zeal  and  fervour  of 
mind ;  then  they  would  take  the  over-fight 
of  the  flock,  not  by  conftraint,  but  willing- 
ly: this  willingnefs,  through  a  neglecft  of 
feeking  that  divine  power  which  alone  can 
bring  it  forth  in  the  mind  of  man,  hath 
been  much  loft  or  departed  from,  by  many, 
and  appears  to  be  greatly  wanting  in  moil 
places;  this,  without  doubt,  is  one  prin- 
cipal caufe  that  fo  general  a  defe(5lion  hath 
prevailed.  Had  the  foremoft  rank  ftood 
faithful  in  the  authoi^ity  of  truth,  they 
w^ould  have  been  as  a  bulwark  againft  undue 
liberties,    and  happy    inftruments    to    have 

preferved 


3i8        The    JOURNAL    of 

preferved  the  body  healthy,  and  in  beautiful 
order.  But,  oh !  how  (hall  I  fet  forth, 
and  fufEcieptly  admire,  the  marvellous  con- 
defcenfion  of  infinite  goodnefs,  which  fo 
eminently  manifefted  itfelf  in  all  the  meet- 
ings we  were  concerned  to  vifit,  in  order  to 
bring  back  again  the  caj^tivity  of  his  people, 
to  build  up  the  wafte  places,  and  to  beauti- 
fy the  houfe  of  his  glory.  May  fuch  evi- 
dent tokens  of  his  merciful  regard  make 
deep  and  lafting  imprelllons  on  all  minds, 
left  the  Lord  be  juftly  provoked  to  caft 
many  off,  and  move  fuch  to  jealoufy  by 
thofe  who  are  now  no  people.  One  very 
forrowful  inftance  of  much  degeneracy,  be- 
ing an  inlet  for  many  other  wrong  things  to 
creep  into  our  Ibciety,  was  the  great  negledl 
of  divine  worfhip,  efpecially  on  week  days ; 
ibme  week-day  meetings  being  wholly  drop- 
ped, and  in  many  places  where  they  are 
kept  up,  attended  by  few ;  and  by  what  ap- 
pears, many  do  not  feem  to  think  it  their 
duty  to  attend  them  at  all,  nor  even  firft- 
day  meetings,  when  fmall  difficulties  prefent. 
This  difcovers  remarkable  ignorance  of  the 
great  importance  of  that  indifpenfable  duty, 
as  well  as  of  the  great  need  all  have,  of  a  daily 
fupply  from  the  Lord's  bountiful  hand. 
As  thefe  opportunities  of  inward  retirement 
and  hvimble  bowing  before  God,  have,  by 
experience,  been  found  times  of  unfpeak- 
able  refrefliment,  which  flows  from  the 
prefence  of  the  Lord,    who  has  gracioufly 

promifed 


JOHN    GUIFFITH.        319 

promifed  to  be  with  thofe  who  meet  in  his 
name,  even  where  the  numbers  are  but  two 
or  three,    hereby  ftrength   is   adminiflered, 
which  enables  us  to  (land  our  ground  in  the 
Chriftian  warfare.     It  is  no   marvel   there- 
fore,    that   the   negled:   of   fo   important    a 
duty,     is   a    caufe   of  much   nxaknefs,    de- 
priving people  of  a  neceflary  defence  againlt 
numerous   and  potent  enemies   w^hich  war 
againft  the  foul.     Here  he  that  goes  about 
like  a  roaring  lion,  and  alfo  as  a  creeping 
fubtil  ferpent,  prevails,  in  order  to  lay  the 
fociety  wafte;    and  whilft  many  are   afleep 
in  carnal  fecurity,  he  finds  opportunity  to 
fow  tares  amongft  the  wheat.     Very  deep 
and  fervent  were  our  labours   in  this  vifit, 
to  promote  diligence  in  this  moft   import- 
ant duty,  as  a  great  means,  under  the  divine 
bleffing,    for  the  reftoring   ancient   beauty 
and    comelinefs     thrgughout     the    fociety. 
This  opportunity  at  Charley- wood,  finiflied 
our     prefent    vifit     to     monthly- meetings ; 
we  having  requefted  the  quarterly-meeting 
to  which  they  belonged,  to  adjourn,  in  fuch 
order,    as   to   be  vifited  in  courfe  by  us  at 
one  journey,  to  begin  in  Luton,  for  Bed- 
fordihire,  which  accordingly  vvas   held  the 
£th  of  the  4th  month,   1761,  John  Emms^ 
Thomas  Corbyn,  Samuel  Scott,  Jofcph  Row^ 
and  myfelf  attended  the  fame,  and  laid  before 
the  quarterly  meeting,  in  writimr,  the  ftate 
of  their  monthly-meetings,  as  the  fame  ap- 
peared to  us  hj  their  anfwers  to  the   quar- 
terly- 


320        The    JOURNAL    of 

terly-meeting  queries,  and  other  inquiries 
made  in  our  late  vifit,  witji  fundry  remarks 
thereon;  and  through  the  over-fliadowing^ 
of  heavenly  power,  we  were  fervently  con- 
cerned to  bring  the  weight  of  the  declined 
ftate  of  the  fociety  there,  upon  the  meet- 
ing, wherein  an  engagement  of  mind  was 
revived  for  a  reformation:  may  the  fame 
continue  and  increaie.  On  the  loth  of 
the  4th  month  we  vifited  Hertford  quarter- 
ly-meeting ;  w^here  our  friend  Jofeph  Tay- 
lor, who  had  been  indifpofed,  joined  us. 
Having  previouily  drawn  up  the  ftate  of 
their  monthly-meetings,  as  the  fame  ap- 
peared to  us  in  our  late  vifit,  with  re- 
marks thereon,  we  laid  it  before  the  meet- 
ing, which  they  took  into  their  folid  con- 
fideration,  and  a  folemn  time  it  was:  the 
Lord's  power  being  livingly  felt,  it  made 
a  remnant  willing  to  arife,  that  the  breaches 
made  in  that  excellent  hedge  of  difcipline, 
fet  by  divine  wifdom  about  us  as  a  people, 
might  be  repaired;  that  the  heritage  be 
not  laid  wafte.  On  the  14th  of  the  4th 
month,  we  vifited  the  quarterly-meeting  at 
Ives,  for  Huntingtonfhire,  Cambridgelhire, 
and  the  Ifle  of  Ely ;  where,  having  drawn 
up  the  ftate  of  their  monthly-meetings,  as 
the  fame  appeared  to  us  in  our  late  viiit, 
with  fome  remarks  thereon,  we  laid  the 
fame  before  them,  with  earneft  labour  to 
awaken  the  adlive  members,  to  a  lively  fenfe 
of   the  forrowful    declenfion  found  within 

.  their 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        321 

their  borders.  It  was  a  painful  exercifing 
time,  great  infenfibility  having  prevailed 
over  many ;  yet  I  believe  it  vsras  a  leafon  of 
comfort  and  relief  to  a  living  remnant, 
vv^ho  travail  for  the  profperity  of  trvith  a- 
mongft  them ;  may  their  number  increafe ! 
We  had  the  returns  of  fvt^eet  peace  in  the 
difcharge  of  our  duty,  and  departed  with 
chearfulnefs  of  mind.  On  the  21ft  of  the 
4th  month,  we  vifited  the  quarterly-meet- 
ing for  the  county  of  Norfolk,  held  in 
the  city  of  Norwich;  where,  as  ufual, 
having  drawn  up  the  ftate  of  their  month- 
ly meetings,  with  remarks  thereon,  the 
fame  was  folidly  laid  before  the  meeting ; 
wherein  divine  goodnefs  was  manifefted ;  in 
the  wlfdom  and  ftrength  whereof  much 
earned  labour  was  bellowed,  in  order  that 
all,  the  aftive  members  efpecially,  might  be 
flirred  up  to  an  exertion  of  godly  endea- 
vours, .for  reftoring  comely  order  and  dif- 
cipline,  in  divers  very  weak  meetings  with- 
in their  county ;  not  to  be  at  eafe  in  their 
ceiled  houfes,  whilft  the  ark  of  the  tefli- 
mony  of  God  was  expofed  to  reproach,  by 
the  defedlion  of  many  under  the  fame  pro- 
feffion.  It  was  a  good  time,  and  I  hope 
ferviceable  to  fome ;  yet  we  could  not  help 
lamenting,  that  the  memorable  opportu- 
nity v/e  lately  had  at  Norwich  monthly- 
meeting  had  not  made  greater  imprefTton  than 
appeared  by  fome  not  very  agreeable  in- 
ftances '  in  this   meeting,    relating   to  their 

fully 


321        The    JOURNAL    of 

fully  uniting  for  the  county's  help,  as  there 
was   apparent  neceflity  for  the  fame.     The 
24th    of    the   4th   month,     we   vifited   the 
quarterly-meeting  of  Suftblk  held  at  Wood- 
bridge,    and   laid  before  them    in    writing 
the  ftate  of  their  m.onthly-meetings,  as  the 
fame  appeared  to  us  in  our  late  viiit,  with 
fome  remarks   thereon.     Much  labour  was 
beftowed   in   the   free  extendings  of  divine 
love,  which  v/as   comfortably  Ihed  abroad 
in    that    meeting,    that    friends    might   be 
thereby  flirred  up  to  ufe  endeavours  for  a 
general  reformation,    in  which  fervent  la- 
bour was  beftowed,    and  clofe  admonition 
extended  to  fuch    as  knew  not  their  own 
fpirits  fubjedled  by  the  fpirit  of  Chrift,  but 
dared  to  prefume  to  move  and  acl  in  the  affairs 
of  the  church  of  God,  by  the  ftrength  of 
their  own  underftandings  as  men:  thefe,  not 
having  true  zeal,  can  wink  at  wrong  things, 
great  difofders,  and  flagrant  unfaithfulnefSj 
fmoothing  all  over,  and  blending  all  together 
deceitfully,  crying  Peace,    and  all  is  well, 
when  it  is   evidently  otherwife.     Oh,  how 
doth    the  Lord    abhor    fuch    unfoundnefs! 
furely  then  his  people  fliould  fee  the  w^eight 
and    authority  of  his   power  ftanding  over 
fuch.     A  principal  caufe  of  defolation  and 
wafte  in  the  houfe  and  heritage  of  God,  is 
the   want  of  more   prepared  (tones   for  the 
building,    hew^n  and  poliflied  in  the  moun- 
tain.    But  great  inconveniency  arifes,  when 
feme  are   made  ufe   of   as   flones    for  the 

building, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        323 

building,  in  their  natural  flate,  which  ren- 
ders them  unfit  materials  to  eredl  a  houfe 
for  the  glory  of  God  to  abide  in ;  fo  that 
what  fuch  build,  is  nothing  but  a  habita- 
tion for  anti-chrift  to  dwell  in;  for  he  will 
content  himfelf  in  any  form  of  religion, 
whilft  he  can  keep  the  power  out  of  it. 
His  firfl  fubtile  working  in  the  myftery  of 
iniquity  is,  to  perfuade  the  minds  of  men, 
there  is  no  need  of  any  more  power  and  wif- 
dom  than  they  have  as  men;  that  if  they 
will  exert  their  endeavour,  they  may  be 
"ufeful  members ;  thus  withdrawing  gra- 
dually from  the  fountain  of  living  water,  to 
hew  out  cifterns  to  themfelves  which  will 
hold  no  water.  Oh,  how  dry  and  infipid 
are  all  their  religious  performances !  and 
what  they  -do,  is  only  to  beget  in  their  own 
image,  carnal  lifelefs  profeffors  like  them- 
felves; thefe  are  very  apt  to  be  doing, 
being  aWays  furniflied;  but  the  true  la- 
bourers muft,  in  every  meeting,  and  upon 
all  occafions  that  offer  for  fervice,  receive 
fupernatural  aid  and  the  renewed  under- 
ftanding,  by  the  immediate  defcendings  of 
heavenly  wifdom  and  power,  or  they  dare  not 
meddle.  Where  there  are  but  two  or  three 
in  each  monthly- meeting,  carefully  abiding 
in  an  holy  dependance  upon  God,  to  be  fur- 
niflied for  his  work,  great  things  may  be 
done  by  his  mighty  power,  in  and  through 
them.  This  is  evident,  by  obferving  the 
ftate  of  meetings  where  fuch  dwell,  though 
T  n  all 


324        The    JOURNAL    of 

all  is  not  done  they  could  ardently  defire,  as 
praifcd  be  the  Lord,  there  are  many  yet  up 
and  down,  who  know  and  experimentally 
feel  their  fufEciency  for  every  fervice  in 
the  church  to  be  of  God.  The  28th  of 
the  4th  month,  we  attended  the  quarterly- 
meeting  I  belong  to,  held  at  Coggelhall, 
for  the  county  of  Eifex.  Having  drawn  up 
the  ftate  of  the  feveral  monthly-meetings  in 
writing,  with  remarks  thereon,  it  was  laid 
before  this  meeting;  much  folid  and 
weighty  endeavours  being  ufed  for  a  gene- 
ral reformation,  by  the  earneft  labour  of 
our  friends  on  the  vifit,  w^hich  was  very 
edifying  and  comfortable  to  the  honeft- 
hearted  amongft  us.  We  drew  up  a  fum- 
mary  account  of  the  ftate  ot  the  fbciety  in 
the  counties  before-mentioned,  and  our  fa- 
tisfa6tion  in  that  folemn  undertaking;  with 
thankful  acknowledgment  of  the  Lord's 
gracious  affiftance  through  the  whole,  which 
was  read  in  the  yearly-meeting,  1761.  Be- 
fore I  clofe  this  account,  it  may  not  be 
amifs  to  fay,  that  fvich  was  the  effecfl  of  our 
labours  in  moft  or  all  the  monthly-meet- 
ings, that  committees  were  appointed  of 
their  own  members,  to  vifit  particular 
meetings,  and  alfo  individual  members,  for 
their  help,  as  occalion  might  require.  The 
quarterly-meetings  alfo  appointed  large 
committees  to  vifit  their  monthly-meet- 
ings and,  others,  as  they  found  freedom, 
for  their  afliftance.     A  few  days  after  the 

yearly- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        325 

yearly- meeting  in  London,  1761,  Thomas 
Corbyn,  Jofeph  Row,  and  myfelf,  fet  out, 
in  company  with  divers  other  friends,  on 
their  return  from  the  yearly-meeting,  in 
order  to  vilit  the  monthly  and  quarterly- 
meetings  of  friends  in  Yorkiliire,  Lincoln- 
fliire,  Nottinghamfliire,  Derbylhire,  and 
Leicefterfliire;  Matthew  Mellor  joined  us 
at  Oatby,  near  Leicefter;  jofeph  Taylor 
having  concluded  to  meet  us  in  Yorkihire. 
On  the  24th  of  the  5th  month,  we  vifited 
Balby  monthly-meetiiig,  held  at  Sheffield, 
and  found,  to  our  comfort,  a  living  body 
of  friends  therein;  yet  much  flacknefs  and 
defecftion  appeared  in  many  members  of 
mofl  ranks.  Truth  opened  and  largely 
furniflied  with  wifdom  and  ftrength,  to 
lay  before  them  the  dangerous  confequence 
of  fome  prevailing  and  undvie  liberties. 
Thofe  advanced  in  age  and  profefTion,  were 
intreated  and  laboured  with  in  much  ear- 
neftnefs,  to  be  more  zealous  and  diligent, 
in  a  godly  care  over  themfelves  and  the 
flock  ;  as  thofe  that  mull  fliortly  give'  ai^ 
account  to  the  great  fliepherd.  The  25th 
we  vifited  Pontefradl  monthly-meeting,  held 
at  Highflats.  Here  was  a  very  numerous 
body  of  friends,  whofe  outward  appearance 
was  very  becoming  our  felf- denying  pro- 
feffion;  and  I  really  believe  this  plainnefs, 
in  a  confiderable  number  amongft  them^ 
was  the  genuine  produdl  of  a  well  regu- 
lated mind ;  yet  I  fear,  in  too  many,  it  was 

more 


g26        The    JOURNAL    of 

more  the  effedl  of  education,  which,  however, 
I  would  not  condemn,  where  people  are  not 
prevailed  upon  by  the  fubtilty  of  Satan  to 
take  their  reft  therein ;  fince  the  form  mud 
follow  the  power,  and  not  the  power  fol- 
low the  form.  We  had  clofe  labour,  ia 
order  to  roufe  thofe  who  had  fettled  down 
in  a  falfe  reft,  and  alfo  to  promote  a  better 
regulation  in  fome  refpefts ;  yet  I  think  it 
might  be  faid  that  difcipline,  in  moft  of 
its  branches,  was  pretty  well  maintained 
in  that  meeting.  It  was  a  time  of  high 
favour;  counfel  and  admonition  were  plen- 
tifully extended.  The  27  th  we  vifited 
Brighoufe  monthly-meeting,  held  at  Brad- 
ford: here  Jonathan  Raine  and  William  Hird 
joined  us.  This  meeting  was  exceeding  large ; 
fome  flacknefs  and  defecftion  appeared,  yet 
in  the  main,  difcipline  and  good  order  were 
well  fupported,  in  divers  branches.  This 
was  indeed  a  time  of  fignal  favour,  as  the 
canopy  of  divine  power  and  love  overflia- 
dowed  this  large  aflembly,  wherein  much 
fervent  labour  was  extended,  that  all  might 
be  brought  into,  and  preferved  in,  that 
humble  felf-denying  way  which  leads  to 
lafting  peace  and  happinefs ;  and  that  none 
might  reft  fatisfied  in  a  form  of  religion, 
without  the  daily  quickenings  of  heavenly 
life,  whereby  only  the  daily  facrifice  can 
be  offered,  and  the  abomination  that  makes 
defolate  kept  out  of  the  holy  places,  viz. 
^he  heart  of  man  made  and  preferved  holy 

bv 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        327 

by  the  powerful  prefence  of  God;  no  lon- 
ger can  it  be  fo,  than  his  prefence  is  there. 
The  29th  we  vifited  Knarefborough  month- 
ly-meeting,   held   at   Rawden.      This    was 
alfo  very  large,  perhaps  near  five  hundred  of 
both  fexes  attended,  and  near  as  many  at 
each    of    the    before-mentioned    meetings. 
Here  we  found  a  weighty,    folid    body  of 
friends,    who  were   zealoufly   concerned  to 
preferve  difcipline  and  good   order  on    its 
ancient  bottom ;  yet  there  was  alfo  a  very 
heavy,  clogging,  lifelefs  body,  at  reft  in  a 
profeffion,  in  whom  little  or  no  living  con- 
cern appeared,  to  keep  undvie  liberties  out 
of   their  families,    and  to  fhew  exemplary 
diligence  in  religious  duties.     Divine  good- 
nefs,  as  at  other  times,  was  eminently  mani- 
fefted,  in  which,    abundance  of  found  ad- 
vice, caution,  and  counfel,  were  freely  ad- 
miniftered,    wherewith   many   hearts   were 
deeply  affedled,  being  made  willing  to  arife, 
in   order    to  promote  a  reformation  where 
things  appeared  out  of  order.     The   ift  of 
the  6th  month,    we  vifited  Settle  monthly- 
meeting;  a  laborious  exercifing  time  it  was, 
in  a  deep  and  painful  fenfe  of  the  numbnefs 
and  formality  of  too  many  members,  and 
the   great   decay    of    primitive    zeal ;     yet, 
through   the   merciful  arifing  of  heavenly 
power  and  wifdom,  ability  was  received  to 
adminifter  fuitable  advice,     warning,    and 
counfel,    in  order  to  awaken  the  carelefs, 
lukewarm  profeflbrs,    as  well  as  to  extend 

comfort 


328         The    JOURNAL    of 

comfort  and  relief  for  the  encouragement  of 
a  fincerely  concerned  remnant  amongft  them ; 
that  fo,  what  appeared  out  of  the  holy- 
order  of  the  gofpel,  might  be  regulated. 
The  3d  of  the  6th  month,  we  vifited 
Richmond  monthly-meeting,  held  at  Aif- 
garth ;  the  number  of  members  here  was 
very  confiderable,  yet  the  life  of  religion 
feemed  at  a  low  ebb ;  that  forrowful  miftake, 
of  imagining  themfelves  God's  people  with- 
out the  real  fenfe  of  the  indwelling  of  his 
holy  fpirit,  and  of  being  the  children  of  A- 
braham  without  the  faith  and  good  works  of 
Abraham,  having,  I  fear,  very  much  pre- 
vailed upon  the  pofterity  of  faithful  wor- 
thies who  are  gone  to  their  reft.  In 
thofe  parts,  great  flacknefs  and  defe6lion  in 
fome  very  important  refpedls  appeared  in 
many,  who,  through  the  powerful  efficacy 
of  the  everlafting  word,  were  clofely  and 
very  prefTmgly  admonilhed  to  more  care  and 
diligence.  Great  endeavours  were  ufed, 
that  our  Chriftian  difcipline  might  be  more 
duly  put  in  pracftice;  a  living  remnant  a- 
mongll  themfelves,  heartily  joining  with  us 
in  our  deep  labours  for  promoting  that 
falutary  end.  The  5th,  Thirfli  monthly- 
meeting  was  vilited  by  us;  Jofeph  Taylor 
joining  us  here.  We  were  now  leven  in 
number,  which  we  did  not  find  too  many, 
the  work  we  were  engaged  in  being  very 
weighty  and  laborious.  In  this  meeting,  a 
remnant  were  fincerely  concerned  to  main- 
tain 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        329 

tain  dlfcipline  and  good  order,  in  the  fpirit 
and  life  thereof;  yet  great  lukewarmnefs 
and  many  deficiencies  appeared;  an  earthly 
carnal  fpirit  having  much  the  afcendency  in 
parents;  rawnefs,  infenfibility,  and  a  de- 
viation from  plainnefs,  in  divers  of  the 
youth ;  which  caufed  us  deep  and  painful 
labour ;  yet,  through  the  defcending  of 
heavenly  virtue,  w^e  v^^ere  enabled  to  i'peak 
clofely  to  their  ftates,  which,  I  hope,  had 
a  good  effedl  on  fome  of  them.  This  op- 
portunity afforded  much  relief  to  our  fpi- 
rits,  and  we  went  av/ay  with  peace.  The 
8th  we  vifited  Gifborough  monthly-meet- 
ing, held  at  Kirbymoorfide ;  where  a  very 
large  number  of  members  attended,  with 
an  outward  appearance  becoming  our  holy 
profeffion,  and  we  found  a  truly  concerned 
remnant  amongft  them :  but  at  this,  as  well 
as  at  other  places,  we  had,  with  forrow  of 
heart,  to  view  the  great  defolation  that  an 
enemy  had  made  in  the  time  of  outward 
eafe  and  liberty,  which  could  not  prevail 
tipon  our  worthy  predecefibrs,  by  depriving 
them  of  their  liberty,  in  jails  and  (linking 
dungeons,  reparation  by  banifhment  and 
otherwife,  of  thofe  in  the  neareft  ties  and  con- 
nexion of  life;  nay,  the  lofs  of  all  their  out- 
ward fubflance,  and  the  lives  of  many,  could 
not  deter  them  from  maintaining  their  tefti- 
mony  for  God  in  public  worfhip,  and  other 
things;  yet  he  hath  mightily  prevailed  on 
many  of  their  iuconfiderate  offspring,  who 

feem 


330        The    JOURNAL    of 

feem  to  have  very  little  befides  the  liuffe 
left  to  feed  upon.  Divine  goodnefs  was 
wonderfully  extended,  in  which  much  fer-- 
vent  labour  was  beftowed,  and  an  awaken- 
ing time  it  was.  The  foundation  of  the 
builders  upon  the  fand  was  fliaken,  and 
Jefus  Chrift,  the  everlafling  rock  and  fvire 
foundation,  was  exalted,  as  the  only  fafe 
reft  and  defence  of  his  people.  The  nth 
we  vifited  Malton  monthly-meeting;  the 
ftate  whereof  appeared  very  low,  and  things 
relating  to  our  difcipline  much  out  of 
order;  divine  goodnefs  being  near,  our 
minds  were  ftrengthened,  and  our  mouths 
opened,  in  earneft  endeavours  for  their  help 
and  recovery;  a  fmall  remnant  arnongft 
themfelves  joining  with  us  herein.  I  hope 
it  was  a  profitable  time  to  fome.  The  i  jth 
w^e  vifited  Scarborough  monthly-meeting, 
held  at  Whitby,  where,  although  we  found 
a  fincere  remnant  with  w^hom  we  had 
unity  in  fpirit,  and  they  had  a  fatisfacflory 
fenfe  of  our  clofe  and  earneft  labours  in  that 
meeting ;  yet  many  under  the  fame  pro- 
fefTion  were  greatly  backllidden,  and  revolted 
from  the  primitive  power  and  purity  of  that 
undefiled  religion,  which  the  faithful 
amongft  us  have  been,  and  are  led  into: 
divine  counfel  ^vas  eminently  manifefted, 
in  order  to  heal  their  backfliding,  and  to 
bring  them  into  a  due  fenfe  of  the  weight 
and  great  importance  of  thofe  teftimonies  to 
the  bleffed  truth,  given  to  us  as  a  people  to 

bear. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        331^ 

bear,  wlilcL  made  good  impreflion  on  fome-; 
but  others .  feemed  at  fo  great  a  diftance, 
that  it  was  hard  to  make  them  rightly 
ienfible  of  their  true  intereft.  We  departed 
from  thence  with  eafe  and  peace  of  mind. 
The  1 4th J  Bridlington  monthly-meeting 
was  held,  which  was  very  fmall,  and  the 
life  of  religion  very  low  5  but  little  ability 
and  judgment  to  manage  the  affairs  of  the 
church  appeared ;  it  was  therefore  our  opi- 
nion, they  were  too  weak  to  fublift  honour- 
ably as  a  monthly-meeting,  and  that  it 
would  promote  the  general  good,  to  join 
them  to  fome  other  monthly-meeting. 
The  17th,  Ouftwlck  monthly-meeting  was 
held  at  HulL  Upon  the  ufual  inquiries 
it  appeared,  that  much  lukewarmnefs  and 
defedlion  had  crept  in;  and  for  want  of  *  a 
godly  zeal  in  moft  of  the  adllve  members, 
difcipline  had  not  been  ftridlly  and  impar^* 
tially  maintained,  fo  that  darknefs  and  weak- 
nefs  had  prevailed.  In  this  mournful  itate 
of  things,  our  labours  were  painful  and 
exerclfmg;  yet,  through  divine  afTiftance, 
the  teftimony  of  truth  in  its  feveral  branch- 
es was  exalted,,  and  judgment  fet  lipon 
thofe  who  had  violated  the  fame*  The  few 
fincere-hearted  labourers  amongfl  them 
were  earneftly  advifed  and  encouraged  to 
bear  the  ark  of  the  teftimony  of  the  Lord 
as  upon  their  Ihoulders,  in  the  people's 
fight,  which  I  hope  had  a  good  effedl. 
The  19th,  we  vifited  the  monthly-meet- 
U  u  ins: 


33-        The    JOURNAL    of 

ing  of  Gave.  The  appearance  of  the  mem- 
bers was  plain,  yet  we  found  great  dead- 
nefs  and  infenfibility  amongft  them,  which 
muft  be  the  cafe,  where  people  are  content- 
ed in  an  empty  form  of  religion,  without 
the  power  of  it.  Much  Chriftian  labour 
was  beftowed  in  order  to  kindle  a  living 
zeal;  but,  alas!  little  impreffion  was  made 
on  fome,  yet  I  hope  this  vifit  was  of  con- 
fiderable  fervice  to  others,  and  unay  tend 
to  general  benefit;  but  all  the  increafe  is 
of  the  Lord.  The  2ifl  we  vilited  York 
monthly-meeting,  wherein  appeared  much 
want  of  a  lively  fenfe  of  truth  on  the  minds 
of  adlive  members,  and  divers  deficiencies 
and  fome  diforders,  had  crept  in,  and  re- 
mained, by  a  neglecT:  of  pJ-oper  dealing,  and 
an  exercife  of  found  judgment.  Here  we 
had  caufe  to  fee,  as  well  as  at  many  other 
places,  that  a  literal  knowledge  of  our  dif- 
cipline,  without  heavenly  life  influencing 
the  minds  of  thofe  exercifed  therein,  bring- 
eth  nothing  effecflually  to  pafs,  to  God's 
glory,  and  the  edification  of  his  church 
and  people.  Great  and  deep  was  our  laboiu', 
under  a  weighty  fenfe  of  the  divine  power, 
and  alfo  of  the  low,  languid  ftate  of  the 
church  in  this  city,  defiring  flie  might  be 
favoured  to  arife  and  ihake  herfelf  from 
the  duif  of  the  earth,  ilrergthi^ning  the 
things  which  remain.  This  finilheei  our 
vifits  to  the  monthly- meetings  in  this  coun- 
ty;     and    though   I   have  not  particularly 

mentioned 


JOHN    G  R  I  F  F  I  T  H.         333 

ineniioned  the  opportunities  takei>  by  us  in 
ieled:  meetings  of  miniflers  and  elders,  yet 
we  had  fuch  opportunities   in   moil  or   all 
the  monthly-meetings ;  where  their  queries 
were  read  and  anfwered;    advice,   caution, 
oounfel,  and  reproof  alfo,  were  adminiftered 
as  Ave  found  ourfelves    led  and  influenced 
thereunto.      The   24th   of  the   6th   month, 
their  quarterly-meeting  was  held  in  York, 
We     had     drawn    up    the    flate    of    their 
monthly-meetings,  being  fourteen  in  num- 
ber,   as  the  fame  appeared  to  us  from  their 
anfwers  to  the  ufual  queries,  and  other  in- 
quiries made  by  us  in  oiu'  late  viiit  to  them, 
with  fundry   remarks  thereon,    particularly 
on  the  great  and  mournful  ilacknefs  in,  and 
negledl   of,    divine   worfliip;    efpecially   on 
week-days,  whicli  difcovers  an  indifference 
and  lukewarmnefs    much    to  be  lamented. 
Earned  labour  was  bellowed  in  that  great 
meeting,  to  faften  the  weight  and  great  im- 
portance   of    qualified    members,     coming 
more  earneftly  and  feelingly  under  a  deep 
fenfe  of  the  care  of  the  churches  ;   that  fo  an 
increafe   of  zeal  and  diligence  may  be  exer- 
cifed  throughout;    in  warning  the  unruly, 
comforting   the  feeble-minded,  and  in  fup- 
porting   the  weak.     It   was  a  folcmn  time, 
the    members   being  fenfibly   affedled  with 
the  great  need  of  a  better  regulation  in  di- 
vers refpeds ;    a   large  committee  was  ap- 
pointed  to  vifit  and  affift  the  monthly,  alio 
particular  meetings,    as  they  faw^  caufe,  in 

oj'dcr 


334        The    JOURNAL    of 

order  to  help  forward  the  neceflary  work  of 
reformation.  The  monthly-meetings  alfo, 
except  one^  in  confequence  of  our  viht 
appointed  committees  to  vifit  particular 
meetings  and  mdividuals,  as  their  way 
might  open,  for  the  better  pvitting  in  prac- 
tice our  Chriftian  difcipline.  In  this  city, 
our  friend  John  Hunt  of  London,  joined 
us ;  and  here  wg  parted  with  Jonathan 
Raine,  Matthew  Mellor,  and  William  Hird. 
We  went  next  into  Lincolnfhire,  and  on 
the  29th  of  the  6th  month,  vihted  their 
monthly-meeting,  held  at  Gainfborough : 
here  John  Oxley  of  Norwich  met  us. 
Things  appeared  very  low  and  defective,  as 
to  the  difcipline  and  good  order  of  the 
church  in  this  place;  the  members,  in  too 
general  a  way,  being  by  indifference  and 
weaknefs,  infenlible  of  its  great  worth  and 
ufefulnefs.  Our  fpirits  were  deeply  bap- 
tized into  a  fenfe  of  their  ftates,  and  we  re- 
ceived ability,  with  great  plainnefs  to  lay 
before  them  the  dangerous  confequence  of 
fuch  an  unfavoury  unfruitful  condition,  and 
the  great  duty  which  the  members  of  fo- 
ciety  owed  to  God,  themfelves,  and  to  one 
another,  in  a  religious  capacity,  which 
for  the  prefent  feemed  to  ajSecl  their  minds ; 
inay  the  impreflion  be  lalling !  We  had  alfo 
fome  things  to  offer  by  way  of  encourage- 
ment, to  a  few  fincere,  though  weak  ones 
amongft  them.  Tlie  2d  of  the  7th  month, 
v;e  vifited  Wainfie'et  monthly-n^eeting,  find- 
ins 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        335 

ing  things  diftrelTingly  low  and  much  oi\t 
of  order;  and  but  fev/  who  had  the  caufe 
of  truth  at  heart,  fo  as  to  mourn  becaufe  of 
the  great  defolation  and  wafte  made  in 
the  fociety  there,  by  earthly-mindednefs 
and  other  flelhly  hberties.  Our  minds  were 
deeply  engaged  that  truth  might  break 
through,  and  foften  the  minds  of  thofe 
dry,  carnal  profefTors,  who,  inftead  of  help- 
ing forward  the  neceffary  work  of  difci- 
pline,  were  great  clogs  and  hinderances 
thereunto,  being  as  dead  weights  and  bur- 
dens on  the  more  lively  part  of  the  body. 
Through  the  holy  efficacy  of  that  pure 
life,  which  gracioufly  attended  us  from 
place  to  place,  we  were  enabled  to  dif- 
charge  our  confciences  at  that  meeting, 
in  much  plain-dealing,  to  our  own  peace 
and  the  comfort  and  relief  of  the  few  up- 
right-hearted there.  The  4th  we  vifited 
Spalding  monthly-meeting;  much  diforder 
and  flacknefs  appeared  alfo  at  this  meeting, 
in  fome ;  others,  who  w^ould  feem  to  be 
fomething  in  religion,  were  but  too  much 
like  the  unfruitful  fig-tree,  on  which,  when 
it  came  to  be  nearly  examined,  nothing 
wai  to  be  found  but  leaves ;  having,  like 
Ephraim  and  Demas,  forfaken  the  dew  and 
tendernefs  of  their  youth,  and  embraced 
this  prefent  world.  Such^  though  they  re- 
tain fomethin?  of  the  outward  reiemblance, 
cannot  prof  per  in  religion,  as  they  are  dry 
and  infipid.      In  this  low,  mournful   ftate 

of 


336         The    JOURNAL    og 

of  things,  truth  arofe,  and  furniflicd  with 
Aiitable  matter  and  utterance,  In  plain  deal- 
ing with  formal  profeObrs,  and  proper  en- 
couragement to  fome  hopeful  yquth  and 
others,  to  come  up  in  a  more  lively  zeal 
and  concern  for  God's  caufe,  than  had  been 
maintained  of  late  at  that  meeting,  which  I 
hope  was  of  good  fervice.  The  6th  we 
vifited  Lincoln  monthly-meeting,  held  at 
Broughton.  This  meeting  appeared  in  a 
very  low  condition,  as  to  a  lively  fenfe  of 
truth;  confequently,  the  difcipline  thereof 
was  not  rightly  managed,  as  being  done  too 
much  in  the  will,  wifdom,  and  temper  of 
man.  Some  appeared  hopeful  and  tender, 
efpecially  of  a  younger  rank,  to  whom,  I 
hope,  our  deep  and  earneft  labour  amongfl: 
them  was  profitable. 

The  8th  of  the  7th  month,  the  quarterly- 
meeting  was  held  at  Lincoln;  before  which 
we  laid  in  writing,  the  languid  and  difor- 
derly  flate  of  the  fociety  in  that  county, 
with  fundry  clofe  remarks  thereon,  point- 
ing out,  in  fome  meafure,  the  caufe  of  the 
great  declenfion  found  amongft  them.  This 
was  accompained  v/ich  our  joint  and  earneft 
endeavours,  to  bring  the  weight  of  thofe 
things  upon  the  members,  that  they  might 
feel  ii  proper  engagement  of  mind  to  arife, 
and  repair  the  breaches  made,  which  had  a 
good  effec5l  on  fome  minds,  and  a  committee 
was  appointed  in  order  to  promote  the 
work  of  reformation;  which  was  alfo  done 

at 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         337 

at  mofl,  or  all  their  monthly-meetings. 
From  Lincoln,  John  Hunt  and  Jofeph 
Row  returned  home  to  London,  and  John 
Oxley  to  Norwich ;  Thomas  Corbyn, 
Jofeph  Taylor,  and  myfelf,  went  into  Not- 
tinghamlhire.  The  13th  of  the  7th  month* 
we  viiited  Retford  monthly-meeting,  as  it 
was  called,  wherein  we  found  a  few  tender 
and  hopeful,  and  had  fome  opennefs  to  ad- 
minifler  counfel  and  advice,  tending  to 
their  help  and  improvement,  which  appear- 
ed to  be  vv^ell  received,  and  fome  minds  were 
alFedled  therewith ;  yet  very  little  was  dif- 
covered  by  us  of  difcipline  being  put  in  prac- 
tice, but  almoft  every  thing  relating  there-* 
to  was  negle6led.  It  therefore  was  our 
judgment  they  ought  to  be  joined  to  fome 
other  monthly-meeting,  yet  their  fituation 
rendered  that  fomewhat  difficult;  however, 
we  concluded  to  lay  the  cafe  before  their 
enfuing  quarterly -meeting.  The  14th  we 
vifited  Mansfield  monthly-meeting,  which 
alfo  appeared  very  low  and  weak;  but  very 
little  of  the  bufinefs  of  a  monthly-meeting 
properly  done,  as  the  number  was  very 
fmall  that  generally  attended  them,  and  iu 
moft  of  them  the  elTential  qualification  for 
fcrvice  in  the  church  of  Chrift  much  want- 
ing. It  was  therefore  our  judgment,  that 
it  would  be  for  the  general  good,  that?vlanf- 
field  monthly-meeting  Ihould  be  joined  to  that 
of  Chefterfield,  except  Oxon  particular  meet- 
ing; w^hich  from  its  fituation  might  better 

be 


338  The  JOURNAL  Gi- 
be joined  to  Nottingham.  The  1 5th  we  viiit- 
ed  Cheilerfield  monthly-meeting,  wherein 
divine  goodnefs  was  Hvingly  manifefted,  in 
order  to  adminifter  proper  affiftance,  by  way 
of  advice,  counfel,  and  encouragement,  to 
this  fmall,  weak  meeting,  wherein  difci- 
phne,  in  divers  of  its  branches,  w^as  much 
negiefted;  yet  there  appeared  an  opennefs 
in  the  members  to  be  inftru:6led  and  help- 
ed forward  in  that  weighty  work,  which, 
through  the  ftrength  and  efficacy  of  divine 
love,  was  largely  extended  to  them,  in 
which  we  had  fatisfa6tion  of  mind.  Thq 
1 6th  we  went  to  Breach,  called  a  monthly- 
meeting,  but  we  found  it,  in  that  refpedl^ 
almoft  defolate.  The  teftimony  of  truth^ 
fo  precious  to  their  anceftors  in  that  place, 
was  by  them  fufFered  to  fall,  in  mod  of  its 
branches ;  but  few  of  thofe  who  were  adlive 
members,  appeared  clear  in  its  fupport. 
Darknefs  had  greatly  prevailed  over  their 
minds,  yet  our  deep  labour,  under  the  in- 
iSuence  of  heavenly  good^  had  a  tendering 
efFe(5l  upon  fome  of  them.  One  thing  aimed 
at  by  us,  was,  that  the  members  of  that 
meeting  might  be  joined  to  the  monthly- 
meeting  of  Nottingham,  they  being  unfit 
to  remain  in  their  prefent  condition,  which 
was  confented  to  by  them,  a  minute  made, 
and  fome  of  their  members  appointed  to 
propofe  the  fime  to  Nottingham  meet- 
ing. The  17th  we  vifited  Nottingham 
monthly-meeting;     the    number   here   was 

pretty 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        339 

jpretty  large,  but  the  pure  virtue  of  heaven- 
ly goodnefs,  (without  the  fenlible  experi- 
ence whereof  there  can  be  no  profperity  in 
the  truth,)  feemed  to  be  much  deprelTed 
and  obftrudled  by  earthly-mindednefs,  cover- 
ed over  with  a  form  of  religion  in  fome 
heads  of  families,  by  whom  undue  liberties 
were  winked  at  in  their  offspring:  fuch  not 
having  zeal  enough  to  fupprefs  wrong  things 
in  their  own  families,  are  not  like  to  pro- 
mote good  order  and  difcipline  in  the 
church.  We  found  fome  who  united  v^rith 
us  in  a  deep  and  earneft  labour  for  a  better 
regulation,  arid  triuch  found  admonition, 
caution,  and  cdunfel,  were  adminiftered^ 
which  feemed  (at  leaft  for  the  prefent)  to 
have  an  awakening  eiFe6t  on  fome.  On  the 
20th  of  the  7th  month  the  quarterly- meet- 
ing was  held  at  Nottingham,  and,  as  we  un- 
derftood,  a  juncflion  of  that,  and  the  quar- 
terly-meeting of  Derby fhire,  was  agreed  on 
between  them,  and  fhortly  to  be  complet- 
ed. We  drew  up  the  ftate  of  the  monthly- 
meetings  in  both  the  faid  counties,  as  the 
fame  appeared  to  us  in  our  late  vifit,  with 
fundry  remarks  on  the  mournful  declenfion 
found  amongd  them ;  pointing  out  to  them, 
in  fome  meafure,  what  we  apprehended  to 
have  been  the  caufc  thereof,  that  thofe  con- 
cerned might  both  examine  themfelves 
and  be  more  watchful,  in  order  to  prevent 
fnch  confequences  for  the  future:  which 
v\ras  read  in  this  meeting,  and  endeavours 
X  X  ufed 


340         The    JOURNAL    of 

ufed  verbally  alfo,  chat  the  meeting  might 
come  under  a  folid  fenfe  of  the  ftate  of  their 
monthly- meetings,  that  proper  affiftance 
might  be  extended  for  a  general  reforma- 
tion. But,  alas !  there  were  but  few  amongtl; 
them  enough  devoted,  heartily  to  engage 
in  io  good  and  neceflary  a  work ;  however, 
we  were  enabled  to  clear  ourfelves,  by 
leaving  the  weight  of  things  upon  them, 
and  to  depart  with  eafe  and  fweet  peace  of 
mind.  All  praifes  and  humble  thankfgiv- 
ings  to  our  holy  head,  for  his  gracious  and 
comfortable  fupport,  in  our  deep  exercifes' 
and  labour  from  place  to  place.  For,  alas! 
we  fliould  fooQ  have  fainted  under  the 
weight  of  that  painful  fervice,  had  he  been 
pleafed  to  withdraw,  even  but  for  a  little 
time;  but  we  found  him  a  never- failing 
fountain  of  all  we  flood  in  need  of,  and 
when  our  fervice  for  this  time  was  over, 
we  could  not  fay  we  lacked,  any  thing.  The 
21  ft  of  the  7th  month  we  v^ifited  Caftle- 
Dunington  monthly-meeting  in  Leicefter- 
Ihire,  wherein  divine  favour  was  lary-elv 
extended,  in  which  we  received  ftrength  to 
labour  earneftly,  for  the  reviving  of  a  living 
concern  in  the  members,  that  difcipline 
and  good  order  might  be  better  maintained, 
which,  through  the  indifference  of  fome, 
and  the  backward,  cowardly  difpolition  of 
others,  was  but  poorly  fupported  in  fun- 
dry  refpecfts ;  yet  this  opportunity  feemed 
to   have   a  good   eHecl,     by   a    confidcrable 

reach 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        341 

reach  upon  many  of  their  minds,  and  I  hope 
may  prove  of  great  advantage  to  that  meet- 
ing, as  the  members  thereof  feemed  rather 
weak  than  wilful.  The  24th  \vq  vifired 
Hinkley  monthly-meeting,  which,  as  to 
the  fupport  of  difcipline  and  gofpel  order, 
appeared  to  us  almoft  defolate.  Our  earneft 
labour  for  their  help  and  recovery  had 
little  vifible  impreffion  on  fome  of  their 
members,  the  infenfibillty  was  fo  great; 
thougli  others  were  avv^akened  to  a  degree 
of  feeling  and  tendernefs,  who,  I  hope, 
received  fome  benefit  thereby.  The  beft 
expedient  that  appeared  to  us,  was  their 
being  joined  to  Leicefter  monthly-meeting, 
which  was  accordingly  recommended.  The 
25th  we  vifited  Dalby  monthly-meeting; 
and  as  it  appeared  in  the  fame  ftate  as  that 
of  Hinkley  laft  mentioned,  I  fliali  refer  to 
that  account,  and  only  fay,  we  advifed  it 
fnould  be  joined  to  the  monthly-meeting  of 
Caftle-Dunington,  except  a  fmall  branch 
thereof,  which  lay  contiguous  to  Leicefter. 
The  27th  we  vifited  Oakham  m.onthly- 
meeting,  where  much  flacknefs  and  indif- 
ference appeared,  too  many  of  the  adive 
members  being  at  eafe  in  a  profeffion,  whilft 
wrong  things  prevailed,  and  death  inftead 
of  life,  overlhadowed  their  meetings.  The 
Lord  engaged  us  in  a  deep  and  fervent  la- 
bour, to  llir  them  up,  that  they  might 
arife  and  fhake  themfelves  from  the  duft 
and  clogging  things  of  the  earth,  to  receive 

th- 


342         The    JOURNAL    of 

the  eye-falve  of  God's  kingdom,  whereby 
they  might  come  to  fee  their  own  ftate  as 
individual  members,  and  alfo  the  general 
ftate  of  the  church.  Oh,  how  aihamed 
would  fome  then  be,  of  their  poverty  and 
nakednefs !  We  found  a  few  amongft  them 
in  a  humble,  teachable  frame  of  mind, 
with  whom  we  had  good  fatisfaftion,  hope- 
ing  this  opportunity  might  tend  to  their 
help  and  improvement  in  the  beft  things. 
The  28  th  we  vifited  Leicefter  monthly - 
meeting,  in  which  we  found  fome  honeft 
labourers  for  Sion's  profperity,  and  truth 
opened  our  way,  as  at  other  places,  to  look 
carefully  into  the  ftate  of  things,  and  to 
apply"  fuitable  counfel  and  advice,  as  the 
fame  immediately  opened,  for  the  reftoring 
good  order  and  wholefome  difcipline,  which 
appeared  too  much  negledled;  and  I  hope 
that  opportunity  was  of  good  fervice  to 
that  meeting. 

On  the  29th  of  the  7th  month  the  quar- 
terly-meeting for  the  county  was  held  at 
Leicefter,  before  which,  we  laid  in  writing 
the  ftate  of  their  monthly-meetings,  as  the 
fame  appeared  to  us  in  pur  late  vilit,  with 
fuch  remarks  thereon,  as  feemed  to  us  pro- 
per and  neceflary;  and  were  deeply  con- 
cerned, to  bring  the  weighty  fenfe  of 
their  great  declenfion  upon  the  fpirits 
of  the  acSive  members,  and  the  great 
xiecciTity  of  a  fpeedy  exertion  of  their  Chrii- 
tiau  endeavours  for  a  regulation,  left  a  ge- 
neral 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        34s 

neral  defolation  fliould  enfue.  But,  alas! 
the  ftupefadlion  was  fo  great  in  this  as  well 
as  other  places,  that  it  was  hard  laborious 
work;  yet  not  without  hope  of  a  revival, 
as  fome  concerned  members  were,  by  the 
overfliadowing  of  divine  power,  made  wil- 
ling to  give  up  their  names,  to  contribute 
their  endeavours  for  carrying  on  the  necef- 
fary  work  of  reformation,  fb  happily  begun 
in  the  yearly-meeting.  Here  ended  our 
vifit  to  monthly  and  quarterly-meetings  for 
the  prefent;  and  I  have,  with  deep  reve- 
rence, humbly  to  acknowledge,  that  a  re- 
markable evidence  of  divine  approbation 
attended  us  throughout;  making  us  of  one 
heart,  by  the  baptifm  of  his  unerring  fpirit, 
fo  that  fcarcely  a  difference  of  fentimentfrom 
one  another  appeared  during  the  whole 
journey.  Another  thing  which  appeared  to 
me  a  token  of  divine  favour  attending,  was 
the  open  reception  we  met  with,  notwitli- 
ftanding  the  plainnefs  ufed  by  us,  in  verv 
clofe  fearching  inquiries  and  remarks  \ipon 
many  diforders,  I  hope  my  ufual  freedom, 
in  laying  open  the  Hates  of  the  monthly- 
raeetings,  will  give  no  juft  caufe  of  offence 
to  any  who  wiih  well  to  Sion,  fmce  no- 
thing is  more  likely  to  flrike  the  minds  of 
fucceeding  generations  with  fear  and  care, 
than  to  have  the  lukewarmneis  and  defec- 
tion of  many,  who  have  been  fo  v\Tjnder- 
fully  favoured,  fct  in  a  true  light  before 
them,  together  with  fuch  a  remarkable  ac- 
count 


344        The    JOURNAL    a? 

count  of  the  Lord's  compaffion  and  con- 
defcending  kindnefs,  in  feeking  their  re- 
floration,  and  offering  his  mercy  to  heal  all 
their  backilidings.  How  can  any,  without 
being  ibmewhat  affedled  with  fear,  read  the 
forrowful  degeneracy  of  fome  Chriftian 
churches,  even  in  the  apoflles  days;  like 
the  firfl-fruits  in  the  gofpel  vineyard;  par- 
ticularly that  of  the  feven  churches  in  Afia 
Minor,  difcovered  to  the  beloved  John,  in 
his  ftate  of  banilhment  for  the  word  of  God 
and  the  teftimony  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  by 
him  with  great  plainnefs  committed  to 
writing,  as  a  call  and  warning  from  God 
to  them,  and  to  remain,  for  the  fame  end, 
to  all  fucceeding  generations  ?  I  have  no 
other  end  in  what  I  have  written  concern- 
ing the  ftate  of  our  fociety;  for  whofe  help 
and  prefervation  I  have  been  freely  given  up 
in  body,  foul,  and  fpirit,  as  well  as  in  what 
outward  fubftance  the  Lord  hath  bounti- 
fully favoured  me  with,  to  contribute  my 
fmall  endeavours,  that  her  light  may  go 
forth  as  brightnefs,  and  her  falvation  as  a 
lamp  that  burns. 

A  fummary  account  of  this  vifit  and  fer- 
vice  was  drawn  up  by  us,  and  read  in  the 
yearly-meeting  1762,  as  was  done  the  year 
before,  when  engaged  in  a  fervice  of  the 
like  nature.  A  like  vifit  was  alfo  per- 
formed by  other  friends,  who  had,  fince 
the  yearly-meeting  1761,  engaged  therein 
in  different   parts,  whereby  it  appeared,  all 

tiie 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        345 

the  monthly  and  qviarterly-meetings,  in  that 
part  of  Great-Britain  properly  called  Eng- 
land, had  then  been  vifited;   which,  as  far 
as  appeared,  had  been  performed  to  general 
fatisfacftion.     The  yearly-meeting   then  re- 
commended to  the  friends  appointed  in  1 760, 
the   care   of   extending   the  fame  brotherly 
afTiflance   to   the  meetings    of   our  friends 
in  Wales,    Scotland,    and  Ireland,   as  their 
way  might  open  in  gofpel  freedom.     Neither 
did    the    yearly-iTieeting    omit    fending   a 
warm,  lively  epiftle  to  thofe  already   vifit- 
ed,   to  corroborate,  revive,  and  ftrengthen 
the  great  labour  beftowed,    that   the  fame 
might  be  made  effectual.     I  fhall  now  clofe 
this  narrative  with  juft  adding,  that  I  have 
found    by   folid  experience,    that   it   was  a 
bleffed    work,    and   greatly    bleffed    in    the 
carrying   on.      May   it  be   fo  in  the  fruits 
arifing  therefrom,    is   the  fincere  defire   of 
my  foul ! 

The  2ifl  of  the  8th  month,  1762,  I  fet 
out,  in  order  to  vifit  London  and  fome  other 
parts,  and  on  firft-day  the  22d,  I  went  to 
Ratcliff  meeting  in  the  morning,  where  I 
had  clofe,  thorough  fervice ;  truth  and  its 
tefhimony  having  confiderable  dominion ;  it 
was  an  awakening  time  to  carelefs  profef- 
fors,  and  of  refrefhlng  confolation  to  Sion's 
travellers,  of  w^hom  I  believe  there  was  a 
confiderable  number  there;  I  had  with 
fatisfacftion  to  believe  that  meeting  was  ou 
the  improving  hand.  I  went  in  the  after- 
noon 


346        The    JOURNAL    of 

noon  to  Horflydown;  this  was  a  tiiiie  of 
deep  travail  and  painful  labour,  as  the  life 
of  religion  feeraed  to  be  greatly  deprefled, 
by  much  indifference  of  mind  in  many,  and 
the  prevalence  of  flefhly  liberties  in  others ; 
yet  through  infinite  condefcenfion,  at  length 
the  power  and  virtue  of  truth  arofe,  where- 
by the  teftimony  thereof  was  exalted  over 
wrong  things.  On  the  fecond-day  follow- 
ing I  attended  the  morning  meeting,  and 
went  on  fourth-day  to  their  monthly-meet- 
ing at  the  Peel,  in  which,  through  the  ex- 
tending of  heavenly  good,  I  had  open, 
edifying  fervice;  friends  being  favoured 
with  a  degree  of  that  holy  leaven,  which, 
as  it  is  abode  in,  preferves  the  feveral  mem- 
bers of  one  heart  and  one  mind.  Oh, 
then  the  work  goes  fweetly  on,  the  body 
edifying  itfelf  in  love,  as  well  as  with  one 
voice  giving  forth  found  judgment  againft 
wrong  things!  On  firft-day,  the  29th,  I 
went  in  the  morning  to  Weftmlnfter,  which 
was  a  very  open  good  meeting,  the  telli- 
mony  of  truth  went  forth  freely  and 
largely,  wifdom  being  given  to  divide  the 
word  aright,  fo  that  the  difobedient  we're 
warned,  and  the  mourners  in  Sion  com- 
forted. I  went  in  the  afternoon  to  the 
Peel  meeting,  which  was  large  and  very  la- 
borious, in  a  fuffering  filence  throughout; 
which,  in  fympathy  with  the  depreffed  feed 
of  God's  kingdom,  and  for  an  example  to 
the  profeffors  thereof,     appeared  to  be  my 

proper 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         347 

proper  bufinefs  at  that  time.  I  attended 
the  morning  meeting  on  lecond-day,  and 
went  on  3d  day  to  Flaiitow  week-day  meet- 
ing, in  which  I  had  ibme  cloie  fervice; 
but  things,  as  to  the  life  of  religion,  ap- 
peared to  me  low  there,  where  tlie  profef- 
fors  of  truth  neglect  a  conilant  labour  for 
daily  bread.  1  fpent  that  afternoon  and 
the  next  day,  chiefly  on  a  vifit  to  our  wor- 
thy friend  John  Hayward,  who  appeared 
green  in  old  age.  On  fifth-day,  the  2d 
of  the  9th  month,  I  went  to  Tottenham ; 
there  beinq;  two  confiderable  friends  fchools, 
oile  for  boys,  and  the  other  for  girls.  By 
the  free  opening  of  the  living  fountain,  it 
was  a  very  precious,  comfortable  meeting, 
doiftrine  and  counfel  being  plentifully  hand- 
ed forth,  fuitably  adapted  to  the  childrens 
w^eak  capacities,  as  well  as  to  thofe  of  riper 
age:  through  the  divine  bleffing,  it  was  a 
time  of  high  favour  and  humble  refrefh- 
nient  to  the  upright  in  heart.. "  That  after- 
noon I  had  a  very  comfortable  reviving 
time  with  our  friend  Jofiah  Forfter  ancl 
family,  he  being  in  a  very  poor  ftate  of 
health,  in  appearance  not  likely  to  conti- 
nue long  in  this  vvorld ;  he,  with  much 
tenderneis,  expreiTed  great  fatisfaclion  in 
that  opportunity.  On  fixth-day,  the  3d,  I 
went  to  Gracechurch-Street  meeting,  which 
was  low  and  laborious ;  it  appeared  my 
proper  bufinefs  to  fit  in  filence.  On  firft- 
day,  the  5th,  I  went  to  Gracechurch-Street 
Y  y  ia 


348         The    JOURNAL    of 

in  the  morning,  where  tlie  meeting  was  ex- 
ceeding large,  and  for  a  time,  very  trying 
and  painful ;  yet  in  the  latter  part,  it  pleafed 
the  i.ord  to  arife,  and  his  enemies  were 
fcattered;  then  was  truth  exalted,  and  its 
teftimony  went  forth  freely,  having  great 
dominion.  In  the  afternoon,  I  went  to  the 
Peel  meeting,  where  I  had  large,  open  fer- 
vlce,  and  truth  was  over  all;  it  being  a  time 
of  much  comfort  and  relief  to  the  lincere- 
hearted.  Next  day  I  was  at  the  monthly 
morning-meeting  of  minifters  and  elders, 
fo  called  becaufe  the  members  more  gene- 
rally attend,  efpecially  the  women.  It  was 
a  bleffed  time,  wherein  I  had  open  good 
fervice,  lliewing  the  great  difference  be- 
tv<^een  the  minifters  of  the  letter  and  thofe 
of  the  fpirit:  that  the  letter  w^ithout  the 
fpirit,  though  of  the  holy  fcripture  itfelf, 
kills  that  which  is  begotten  of  God  in  the 
hearts  of  people;  but  that  it  is  the  holy 
power,  efficacy,  and  demonftration  of  the 
eternal  fpirit,  that  renders  the  holy  fcrip- 
ture, outward  miniftry,  and  all  other  means 
ordained  of  God,  for  the  comfort,  help, 
and  prefervation  of  his  people,  effedlual. 
I  had  to  obferve,  that  the  minifters  of  the 
letter  were  moft  of  all  concerned  for  the 
external  appearance  of  their  miniftry,  viz. 
that  the  words  and  dodlrine  may  Be  curioufly 
adapted,  not  to  difguft,  but  rather  to  pleafe 
thofe  who  have  itching  ears;  on  the  con- 
trary,   the  minifters  of  the  fpirit  are  leaft 

of 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        349 

of  all  concerned  about  the  outward  appear- 
ance of  their  miniftry;    having  no  doubt, 
if  they  are  careful  in  the  fpring,    ground, 
and  moving  caufe,  which  they  know  fliould 
be  the  conflraining  power  of  the  holy  fpirit, 
that  will  alfo  be  agreeable  thereiuito ;  feeing 
that  power  is  able  to  render  the  moft  low 
and  (imple  expreffion,    in   man's  account, 
exceedingly  efficacious.     On  third-day,  the 
-jth,     I    fet   out,     accompanied    by    feveral 
friends,    in  order   to  have  a  meeting  that 
afternoon  at  Charleywood ;     it  was  a  time 
of  awakening  labour,  not  eafily  I  hope  to  be 
forgot.     On  fourth-day,   the  8th,    I  had  a 
precious,     open,     ferviceable    meeting,     at 
Jordan's  in  the  morning ;    it  was  a  time  of 
general  awakening,  at  leafl  to  a  prefent  fenfe 
of    duty:    that   afternoon   I  had  a  painful 
laborious  meeting  at  Uxbridge,    and   what 
made  it  more  afliidling,  was,  that  the  gof- 
pel  endeavours  ufed  for  the  help  and  reco- 
very of  lukewarm  profelTors,  feemed  to  take 
very    little    effedl  upon   their  minds.      On 
fourth-day,     the    8th,     I    went  to   Staines 
meeting,    which,    in  the  fore-part,    was  a 
time  of  very  heavy,  painful,  filers-,  labour; 
in  which,    as   at  many   other  times  on  the 
like  occafion,    I  fully    expedled    the   cloud 
and  diftrefs  would,  remain,  till  we  feparated 
one  from  another;  yet  near  the  conclufion, 
through  infinite  condefcenfion,    truth  arole 
and  obtained  a  complete  vicflory  over  w^'ong 
t;hings ;    their  ftates  being  fpoken  to  with 

great 


350         The    JOURNAL    of 

great  plainnefs ;  but,  alas !  things,  as  to  the 
life  of  religion,  feemed  but  low  amongft 
moll  of  all  ranks  there.  I  went  next  day 
to  a  meeting  at  Godalmin,  which  proved 
a  time  of  much  favour,  in  the  fweet  and 
precious  enjoyment  of  the  confolating 
ft:  earns  of  that  river,  which  maketh  glad 
the  whole  city  of  God ;  in  the  blelTed 
efficacy  whereof,  the  doctrines  of  truth 
were  largely  opened,  fetting  forth  the  na- 
ture of  faith,  l^^P^j  ai"^d  charity;  but 
the  greateft  of  all  is  charity,  as  faith 
will  be  fwallowed  up  in  open  vifion,  and 
hope  in  the  full  enjoyment ;  but  charity 
never  fails  nor  changes  its  nature,  being 
the  fame  in  time  and  in  eternity.  On 
firft-day,  the  12th,  I  was  at  Alton  meet- 
ing, in  Hampihire,  where  we  had  a  very 
large  and  precious  baptizing  meeting ;  in 
the  morning,  the  teftimony  of  truth  had 
great  dominion,  and  the  living  members 
were  fweetly  comforted  together.  The  af- 
ternoon meeting  there  was  very  heavy  and 
laborious,  and  held  in  filence.  I  had  a  very 
open  facisfadlory  meeting  at  Elher,  on  third- 
day  the  14th,  and  another  at  Wandfworth 
the  next  day ;  after  which  1  went  to  Lon- 
don, and  the  next  day,  being  the  i6th  of 
the  9th  month,  I  returned  home,  finding 
my  dear  wife  and  family  well :  having, 
through  infinite  kindnefs,  been  much  fa- 
voured in  my  fervice  this  fmall  journey, 
and  found  more  opennefs  in  the  ci::y  of 
London  than  heretofore.     It  v/as  with  great 

comfort 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         351 

comfort  I  had  to  fee  a  growing  hidden  rem- 
nant in  that  city,  who  will  be  exalted  in 
Ifrael  in  the  Lord's  time ;  who  hath,  and 
will  yet  open  a  way  .  more  and  more,  for 
his  pained  travelling  children  to  exalt  his 
name  and  truth,  by  removing  the  flumbling 
blocks  and  other  impediments  which  yet 
remain  in  their  way,  and  hinders  them  m 
fome  meafme,  from  taking  the  rule  and  go- 
vernment, wdiich  is  their  due  and  rii^htin  the 
kingdom  of  Chrift ;  and  ufurpers  fliall  (ee, 
none  can  lit  with  Chnll  upon  thrones,  but 
thofe  who  faithfully  follow  him  in  the  re- 
generation, agreeable  to  his  gracious  pro- 
mife,  viz.  Mat.  xix.  28.  and  Luke  xxii.  30. 

To  this  period  of  time,  being  now  \a 
the  fiftieth  year  of  my  age,  I  have  continued 
an  account  of  divers  occurrences  of  my  life, 
labours,  and  experience;  with  fuudry  ob- 
fervations  on  the  ftate  of  the  Chrilliaa  io- 
ciety  of  which  I  am  a  member;  and  though 
done  in  a  way  of  plain  dealing,  yet  in  truth 
and  fincerity,  as  my  mind  hath  been  im- 
nxediately  led  and  opened  thereunto.  Let 
none  therefore  take  any  undue  advantages 
thereby  to  reproach  the  fame:  no  fociety 
of  Chriftians,  that  I  have  ever  had  any  know- 
ledge of,  hath  any  advantage  of  this  peo- 
ple, either  in  principle  or  praclice.  Here 
I  intend  to  lay  afide  my  pen,  not  know- 
ing that  time  or  ability  will  be  given  to 
add  any  more,  which  is  all  in  the  Lord's 
hand;    to   whom  I  humbly  commit  this, 

with 


35i        The    JOURNAL    of 

with  my  foxil  and  body,  for  prefer vation, 
during  the  fliort  fpace  of  time  he  may  be 
pleafed  yet  to  lengthen  my  days ;  befeeching 
his  blefling  may  attend  what  is  done ;  with- 
out which,  our  endeavours  are  fruitlefs, 
for  all  the  increafe  is  in  and  by  him,  who 
is  glorious  in  holinefs,  and  fearful  in  praife. 
To  whom  be  dominion  and  glory,  through 
all  ages  and  generations.     Amen. 

From  the  year  1762,  to  the  7th  month 
1765,  I  have  preferved  no  particular  me- 
morandum of  my  travels  and  fervice  that 
I  can  at  prefent  find,  and  although  I  tra- 
velled no  conliderable  journies,  yet,  as  I 
always  thought  it  my  incumbent  duty,  from 
my  firft  acquaintance  with  God*s  everlaft- 
ing  truth,  I  diligently  attended  meetings 
when  at  home  and  well,  both  firft  and  week 
days,  alfo  the  quarterly  and  yearly-meet- 
ings, as  they  fell  in  courfe;  as  well  as  fome 
adjacent  quarterly  and  other  meetings.  In 
the  year  1764,  I  attended  the  yearly-meet- 
ings of  Colchefter,  Woodbridge,  and  Nor- 
wich, to  good  fatisfacflion  and  comfort, 
being  favoured  with  free  open  fervice  there- 
in, efpecially  the  two  laft.  In  the  fame 
year,  having  an  inclination  to  vifit  London 
and  fome  parts  adjacent,  as  my  way  might 
open ;  and  likcwife  having  a  manufcript  by 
me,  which  I  had  written  about  two  years  be- 
fore, intitled.  Some  Brief  Remarks  upon  fun- 
dry  important  Siibje£is^  <^'C.  divers  friends 
whole  judgment  I  valued,   having  perufed 

it, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        353 

It,  expreffed  their  unity  therewith,  gene- 
rally apprehending  there  might  be  a  fer- 
vice  in  making  the  fame  publick;  being 
thus  encouraged,  I  laid  it  before  the  fecond- 
day  morning  meeting  of  Lc^ndon,  a%is  ufual 
in  fuch  cafes ;  I  attended  the  revifmg  of  it 
for  the  moft  part:  friends  agreed  it  fliould 
be  printed,  which  was  accordingly  done. 
It  was  afterwards  reprinted  here,  in  Ireland, 
and  in  America. 

^  Having  had  a  vi-ew,  flor  feveral  years,  of 
vifiting^  friends  in  the  American  Colonies, 
as  I  waited  with  earneft  defires  to  be  rightly 
direcTted  in  fo  folemn  and  weighty  an  under- 
taking, both  as  to  the  thing  itfelf  and  the 
proper  time  to  enter  thereupon,  I  was  fa- 
voured with  clear  and  full  fatisf  idion,  in 
both  refpeds ;  and  had  feen,  for  a  confider- 
able  time,  that  I  fhould  embarl:  for  that 
fervice  foon  after  our  yearly-meeting  1765: 
this  I  efteemed  a  particular  favour,  as  I  had 
thereby  the  better  opportunity  to  order  my 
outward  affairs  timely,  fo  as  I  m'ight,  with 
more  freedom  and  eafe,  leave  the.jn  fo  long 
a  time;  yet,  except  to  my  wii:c  and  two 
or  three  friends,  who  were  eilajoined  fe- 
crefy,  I  kept  all  to  myfelf,  till  about  the 
time  it  became  neceffary  to  lay  1  ny  concern 
before  the  monthly-meeting  'of;  wdiich  I 
was  a  member:  which  I  did,  and  readily 
obtained  their  concurrence,  and  a  certificate 
very  fully  expreffive  of  their  unity;  which 
€ertificate  I  carried  to  our  quarterly-meet- 
ing. 


354        The    JOURNAL    of 

ing,  laying  the  flime,  with  my  faid  con- 
cerr:,  before  that  meeting ;  I  aifo  obtained 
their  ready  concurrence,  fignified  by  an  in- 
dorfement  on  the  monthly-meeting  certifi- 
cate'; itvhich  certificate  and  indorfement, 
together  with  my  concern,  I  laid  before  the 
yearly-meeting  of  minifters  and  elders  in 
London,  and  after  a  time  of  weighty  con- 
fideration,  friends  drew  up  and  figned  a  cer- 
tificate of  their  full  unity  with  me,  and  my 
intended  undertaking.  The  ready  and  una- 
nimous concurrence  of  my  much  efteemed 
friends,  was  a  great  ftrength  and  comfort  to 
me  in  my  entering  upon  and  throughout 
this  folemn  engagement.  I  was  very  fen- 
fible  it  was  of  fuch  a  nature,  that  the  whole 
body  of  friends  were  deeply  interefled  in 
the  right  and  proper  performance  thereof; 
and  there  Fore  found  my  mind  much  refigned 
to  the  divine  will,  and  to  the  determina- 
tion of  his  people.  I  returned  home  from 
the  yearly-meeting,  to  complete  the  fet- 
dement  of  my  outward  affairs,  having  part- 
ly concluded,  with  divine  permiflion,  to 
embark  ini  a  fhip  likely  to  fail  in  two  or 
three  weeks.  I  went  to  our  quarterly  and 
yearly-meeting  at  Colchefler:  where,  being 
taken  very  ill  of  a  fever,  I  returned  home 
with  my  wife  in  a  poft-chaife,  being  unable 
to  ride  on  horfe-back.  I  was  confined  to 
my  chamber  about  ten  days ;  •  this  put  an 
intire  Hop  to  all  preparations  for  my  intend- 
ed voyage;  which,  on  account  of  my  illnefs, 

I  had 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        355 

I  had  wholly  given  over  the  expedlation  of, 
as  to  the  before-mentioned  fliip ;  but  when 
I  recovered,  fo  as  to  be  able  to  move  a 
little  about,  my  mind  did  not  feem  eafy  to 
let  that  fliip  go  away  without  me.  I  there- 
upon wrote  to  the  merchants  or  owners, 
who  I  knew  were  delirous  I  ihould  go  in 
her,  to  know  what  time  they  could  allow 
me  to  get  ready;  their  anfwer  was,  about 
ten  days:  the  time  was  ihort,  and  I  was 
very  weak  in  body,  and  had  fome  affairs  of 
confequence  to  fettle  which  would  take 
Ibme  time;  however,  the  will  being  good, 
i  fet  about  them  in  earned,  and  beyond 
expeclation  fucceeded  therein,  recovered 
flrength  apace,  and  got  through  my  affairs 
in  time  to  fatisfadlion.  I  could  not  help 
looking  upon  this  a  providential  fuccefs, 
as  it  was  far  beyond  human  probability: 
the  Lord,  in  his  deahng  v/ith  us  his  poor 
dependant  creatures,  fometimes  brings  us 
very  low,  baffling  all  our  fldll  and  contri- 
vance, that  he  may  clearly  fhew  us,  that 
our  fuccefs  in  fpiritual  things,  and  even  in 
temporals  alfo,  is  by  his  providence. 

On  the  9th  day  of  the  7th  month,  1765, 
I  took  leave  of  my  dear  wife  and  family,  and 
accompanied  by  ievcral  friends,  went  to  meet 
the  fhip  at  Gravefend,  where  we  were  met  by 
about  fifteen  or  fixteen  friends  from  Lon- 
don ;  we  dined  togedier,  and  lodged  there 
that  night.  Next  day,  being  the  loth  of 
the  7th  month,  I  took  leave  of  friends  in 
Z  z  muc]|. 


356        The    JOURNAL    of 

much  tender  afFecllon,  and  went  on  board 
the  CaroUna,  James  Friend  mafter,  bound 
for  Philadelphia.  We  sot  under  ili'il  about 
eleven  o'clock,  but  it  was  near  a  week  be- 
fore we  took  our  departure  from  the  Land's- 
End  of  E-ngland.  We  had,  for  a  few  days, 
a  pretty  fair  w^ind,  and  a  good  fet-of  from 
the  land ;  yet  on  our  paflage  we  had  a  great 
deal  of  contrary  winds,  ^nd  often  a  head 
fea,  z\bout  the  9th  and  loth  of  the  8th 
month,  and  for  Ibme  time  before,  things 
had  but  a  very  difcouraging  afped,  having 
got  but  a  little  on  our  way  for  about  twenty 
days;  moft  of  the  company  feemed  to  be 
affecied  v/ith  fadnefs  on  that  account :  at 
the  fame  time  I  had  a  ftrong  perfuafion  of 
mind,  that  the  wind  would  turn  in  our  fa- 
vour before  night,  and  had  almpft  an  in- 
clination to  have  told  them  fo,  in  order  to 
cheer  their  fpirits,  but  was  fearful  of  pre- 
fuming  too  much  upon  the  certainty  of 
what  had  prefented  to  my  view,  left  I 
Ihould  prove  a  falfe  prophet,  and  thereby 
bring  dilhonour  to  the  good  caufe;  how- 
ever, it  proved  true,  and  held  favourable 
to  us  a  confiderable  time,  fo  that  we  failed 
next  day  feven  or  eight  miles  an  hour 
the  right  way.  The  21ft  of  the  8th  month 
we  found  ourfelves  upon  one  of  the  banks 
of  Newfoundland,  having  about  twenty- 
eight  fathom  wa*-er.  It  was  fome  fatif- 
fatftion  to  find*  ourfelves  fo  far  on  our  way ; 
I  was  favoured  with  very  good  health,  and  a 

good 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        357 

good  appetite  all  the  time,  and,  through  di- 
vine favour,  generally  with  a  quiet  refigned 
mind,  having  full  fatisfadlion  that  I  was  in 
my  place.  The  captain  was  very  fleady, 
and  well  qualified  for  his  ftation,  and  very 
kind  to  me;  the  palTengers  alfo  v\-ere  gene- 
rally civil  in  their  behaviour,  though  they 
often  burdened  and  wearied  my  fpirit  with 
their  trifling,  vain,  empty  difcourfes,  in 
which  I  could  not  join,  but  was  rather  a 
reprover  and  a  weight  againfl  them,  which 
1  am  perfuaded  they  frequently  felt,  and  I 
am  fenfibJe  I  was  a  confiderable  awe  upon 
them ;  yet  I  thought  it  was  prudent,  as  we 
were  confined  in  one  another's  company,  to 
uphold  a  family  refpecl.  I  often  reproved 
their  vanity  and  corrupt  converfation,  and 
was  enabled,  in  a  good  degree,  to  bring 
judgment  over  them,  fo  that  fome  would 
own  I  was  right.  Alas,  I  had  forrowfully  to 
obferve,  by  their  manner  of  converfation, 
how  empty,  \ain,  trifling,  and  even  cor- 
rupt, the  converfation  of  thofe  efleemed  the 
genteel  and  polite  part  of  mankind,  in  our 
day,  is  become;  little  or  nothing  to  be 
found  therein,  that  conveys  folid,  profita- 
ble inftrucfliion,  either  in  things  relating  to 
this  life  or  the  next,  but  in  general  it  tends 
to  deprave  and  corrupt :  yet  many  thus  void 
of  felf-denial  and  government  of  their 
tongues,  pretend,  with  great  aflTurance,  to  lay 
undeniable  claim  to  the  holy  and  undefiled 
rqligion  of   Jefus  Chrift;    furely,    they  do 

not; 


353         The    JOURNAL    of 

not  give  tliemfelves  any  time  to  think  feri- 
oufly  about  the  nature  of  that  religion,  and 
mufl  conclude,  the  name  and  profciTion 
without  the  fpirit  and  life,  is  all  they  arc 
to  look  for,  except  adhering  to  a  few  ex- 
terior obfervations :  fuch  grofs  darknefs  and 
Itupefaction  is  much  to  be  lamented,  but 
very  hard  to  be  helped  when  they  are  fo 
ignorant  of  their  own  flates. 

k  was  the  loth  of  the  9th  month,  early 
in  the  morning,  that  we  firft  fi\w  land, 
which  proved  to  be  Cape  Henlopen;  abou'c 
{ix  o'clock  we  got  a  pilot  on  board,  who  was 
a  native  Indian;  about  nine  vfe  entered 
the  Capes  of  the  D^i^ aware,  with  the  tide 
beginning  to  make  in  our  favour;  about 
eleven  our  ihip  flruck  the  ground  three 
times,  but  ioon  got  off.  We  had  fine  wind 
and  weather,  which  made  it  exceeding  plea- 
fant  failing  up  the  bay  and  river;  we  got 
up  v/ith  that  tide,  wichin  about  fix  leagues 
of  the  city.  Next  day,  about  eleven 
o'clock,  we  came  to  an  anchor  before  the  city 
of  PiiihwJelphia.  I  foon  landed  and  went 
dire6lly  to  my  old  quarters,  being  very 
kindly  received  as  form.erly,  by  my  much 
efleemed  friends  Ifaac  and  Sarali  Zane.  I 
was  about  nine  weeks  on  board  the  fliip  in 
all,  and  about  eight  from  land  to  land.  I 
attended  their  week-day  meeting  on  fifth- 
day,  and  had  fome  good  open  fervice  there- 
in. I  went  on  firfl-day  to  the  great  meet- 
ing,   where  perhaps  was  prefent,    near,  if 

not 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        359 

not  quite,   1500  friends,  or  thofe  under  our 
profeffion;  m^  bufinels  among  them  at  that 
time  feemed  to   be  to   fet  them  an  example 
of  iilence.     I   had,  with  fecret  lanientation, 
to  view   their   remarkable  declenfion   from 
a  true   fpirltual  exercife,  which  appeared  to 
me  but   too   general,    looking  for  words  to 
feed  upon;    1  found  that  craving  was  to  be 
difappointed  and   famiilied,    and  therefore 
was  often   fliut  up  from   public  fervice  a- 
mongfc  them,  efpecially  at  the  great  houfe, 
though  I  had  fonie  very  clear,  open,  power- 
ful times,    an   the  bleffed  light  and  life  of 
the  everlafting  gofpel,   there  aifo.     On  fixrh- 
day,    the  20th  of  the  g.th  month,  I  croiicd 
the  river  Delaware,    and  went  to  Haddon- 
field    quarterly-meeting,     which    was   very 
large,    and  I  was  largely  opened  to  declare 
the  truth  amongft  them  with  good  authority, 
I  returned  next  day  to  the  city,  and  attended, 
the  yearly-meeting  of  minifters  and  elders ; 
things  feemed   but  low:    this   yearly-meet- 
ing,   which  was   very  large,    concluded  on 
fixth-day.     It  was  in  a  good  degree  favour- 
ed with  divine  wifdom  and  ftrength,  where- 
in friends  were  enabled  to  confider  and  con- 
clude fome  weighty  affairs  with  unanimity 
and  brotherly  love.     The  Lord  was  graci- 
oufly    with     me,     affording    wifdom     and 
ftrength  to  be  ferviceable   at  this  meeting, 
both   in   miniflry  and  difcipline,  wherein  I 
liad  f;?v'eet  peace  and  comfort.     I  wisnt  the 
firft'day  following  to  Springfield-meeting, 

ia 


300        The    JOURNAL    of 

in  Chefter  county,  where  I  had  very  open 
weighty  fervice,  and  the  bleffed  truth  pre- 
vailed. In  the  evening  I  had  a  comfortable 
meeting  with  a  fick  friend  at  Derby,  who 
foon  after  departed  this  life.  I  then  re- 
turned to  Philadelphia,  and  attended  both 
their  week-day  meetings,  which  were  pain- 
fully laborious  in  a  filent  travail.  On  fixth- 
day  went  to  their  monthly-meeting,  and 
was  livingly  opened  therein,  to  fhew  the 
rea&n  why  the  church  of  Chrift  is  com- 
pared to  a  human  body,  conlifting  of  many 
and  various  members ;  I  had  good  fervice 
alio  in  the  meeting  of  bufinefs.  Their  num- 
ber is  very  large,  but  many  appeared  to  me 
weak  and  unikilful  as  to  the  proper  qua- 
lifications of  acftive  members  in  the  church, 
fbme  of  them  did  not  appear  to  be  re- 
deemed from  fear,  favour,  and  affection  in 
judgment.  I  had  great  comfort  in  the  la- 
bour of  this  day.  On  third-day,  the  i  ft  of 
the  loth  month,  I  had  a  very  large  meet- 
ing at  Haddonfield,  in  Weft-Jeriey;  the 
word  was  given,  with  clearnefs  and  gofpel 
authority,  and  I  had  to  iliew  the  power  and 
efficacy  of  true  faith,  and  the  weaknefs  and 
infufficiency  of  an  hiftorical  or  implicit 
faith:  it  was  a  good  time,  and  the  glori- 
ous truth  was  exalted.  I  then  went  to 
Chefter;  the  meeting  was  very  large,  and 
I  had  clofe,  thorough  fervice  therein,  on  the 
fubjcdl  of  felf- denial  and  taking  tip  the 
daily  crofs.     On  fifth-day,  had  a  very  large 

meeting 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        361 

meeting  at  Evefham,  and  had  therein 
weighty  fervice,  on  the  nature  of  that  new- 
birth,  without  which  no  man  can  fee  the 
kingdom  of  God;  moft  of  the  auditory 
feemed  much  fcrangers  thereto,  which  made 
the  labour  heavier,  yet  wifdom  was  mer- 
cifully given  to  divide  the  word  to  this 
numerous  aifembly,  about  the  fpace  of  two 
hours.  Next  day  I  had  a  very  thronged 
meeting  at  Mount-Holly,  in  New-Jerley; 
my  labour  in  the  miniflry  was  very  clofe 
and  fearching,  to  good  fatisfailion.  On 
firil-day,  the  6th  of  the  loth  month,  was 
at  Burlington  meeting,  and  had  an  open 
time;  alfo  at  their  monthly-meeting  on  the 
iecond-day  following,  which  was  very  large; 
I  was  livingly  •  opened  upon  thefe  w^ords, 
"  Pray  without  ceafing,  and  in  every  thing 
"  give  thanks;"  alfo  fliewing,  that  the 
power  of  the  word  of  life  ought  to  be  the 
fpring  of  atflion  in  the  church  of  Chrift. 
On  third-day,  accompanied  by  divers  friends, 
I  croifed  the  river  Delaware,  and  had  a 
meeting  at  Briftol,  in  Pennfylvania;  it  v/as 
a  fmail  poor  meeting,  I  laboured  according 
to  ability  received,  to  flir  up  the  members 
to  a  more  lively  concern,  but  things  ap- 
peared very  low.  On  fourth-day  1  had  a 
large  meeting  at  the  Falls ;  it  was  very  la- 
borious, under  a  fenfe  of  a  dry,  lifelefs 
Hate  in  too  many,  and  the  inconiiflent  con- 
dufl  of  others ;  efpecially  in  that  of  exceP- 
five  drinking,    which  I  felt  to  caufe  a  very 

ill 


362        The    journal    of 

ill  favour:  I  was  informed  after,  it  had  great- 
ly prevailed  upon  many  in  that  meeting, 
and  that  divers  of  them  who  were  there 
^that  day,  had  been  dilbwned  on  that  ac- 
count. Next  day  1  had  a  large  meeting  at 
Wright's- town;  I  was  opened  therein,  to 
ihew  the  fimilarity  between  the  travels  of 
the  foul  towards  fpiritual  Canaan,  and 
thofe  of  the  Ifraelites  toAvards  the  outward 
Canaan.  It  was  a  clofe  awakening  time  to 
dry,  formal  profeflbrs.  On  fixth-day,  I 
had  an  exceeding  large  meeting  at  Buck- 
ingham; to  this  great  gathering  the  ever- 
laiting  gofpel  was  powerfully  preached,  and 
the  end  and  deiign  of  true  miniftry  fet 
forth ;  this  was  a  bleifed  time  of  divine  re- 
frefhment,  to  the  rejoicing  of  many  hearts, 
and  roufing,  I  hope,  of  the  lukewarm,  in  a 
good  degree.  After  this  meeting,  I  felt  it 
in  my  mind  to  fpeak  to  TKomas  Rofs, 
a  friend  in  the  miniftry  of  that  county,  to 
bear  me  company  to  the  fouthern  provinces, 
which  he,  after  due  confideration  and  ob- 
taining his  friends  concurrence  and  certifi- 
cate, complied  with;  and  not  only  that 
journey,  but  alfo  to  New-England,  &c.  fo 
that  I  was  favoured  with  the  agreeable 
company  of  this  valuable  friend,  through 
molt  of  my  American  travels,  which  was 
to  my  great  comfort.  On  firft-day,  the 
13th  of  the  loth  month,  I  was  at  North- 
Wales  meeting,  which  was  very  large,  and 
was  favoured  with  a  thorough  open  time, 

to 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.       ^63 

to  the  tendering  of  many  hearts.     The  day 
following  had  a  large  meeting  at  Plymouth; 
I  was  opened  upon  that  paffage,  "  Believe  not 
*'  every  fpirit/'  &c.  had  dole  work  with  li- 
bertines, fuch  as  are  commonly  called  free- 
thinkers, and  was  carried  over  them:   truth 
and  its  teftimony  was  greatly  exalted  and 
triumphed  over  that  fpirit,  and  other  wrong 
things.     On  third-day,  had  a  large  meet- 
ing at  Horfliam,  and  was  powerfully  open- 
ed   on    the    words   of    the    prophet   Joel, 
viz.   "  I  will  pour  out  my  fpirit  upon  all 
*'  flefh,"  &c.    with  fome  clofe  remarks  to 
thofe  who  reft  fatisfied  with  a  mere  profef- 
fion.     After  meeting,    came  a  feventh-day 
Baptifl  to  the  friend's  houfe  where  I  was; 
and  if  I  had  fuiFered  it,  would  have  led  me 
out  into  a  wide  field  of  argument,  for  which 
I  had  neither  time  nor  inclination;  he  ad- 
vanced feveral    points,    but  I  kept  him  fo 
clofe   to    fome   of    them  that  he  was  foon 
foiled,  he  found  my  method  of  arguing  fo 
different  from  his ;  he  being  for  a  multitude 
of  words  and  a  great  deal  of  ramble,  and 
I  was   for    but   a  few   words  clofe  to  the 
point,    backed  with   clear   fcripture  proof, 
fo  we  had  quickly  done;  he  feemed  willing 
to  drop  it,  and  fb  was  I,   for  fuch  are  fo 
full    of    notion  and  fo  fixed  t;herein,    that 
the    cleared  reafoning  feems  thrown  away 
upon  them.    On  fourth-day  had  a  very  large 
meeting   at   Abington,    the    place  which   I 
belonged  to  in  my  youthful  days,  and  where 
A  a  a  I  was 


364        The    journal    of 

I  was  firft,  through  infinite  mercy,  brought 
to  the  knowledge  of  tlie  ever-bleflfed  truth ; 
and  where  my  mouth  was  firPc  opened  above 
thirty  years  before,  in  a  pubhc  teflimony„ 
A  dark  cloud  feemed  painfully  over  the 
meeting  in  the  fore  part,  yet  at  length  truth 
pi-evailed,  and  utterance  was  largely  given 
to  declare  the  docflrine  tliereof,  ihewing  that 
the  children  of  Ifrael  feared  the  Lord  all 
the.  days  of  Jofluia,  and  of  the  elders  that 
out-lived  him.  It  was  a  very  awakening 
time,  and  many  appeared  to  be  pretty  much 
affccled.  Next  day  I  had  a  fmall  meeting 
at  Frankfort,  things  appeared  very  low  and 
dark  for  a  time,  yet  at  lengeh,  wifdom  and 
utterance  were  given  upon  thefe  words, 
"  Man  being  in  honour,  and  abiding  not 
^*  therein,  is  like  the  beaft  that  periflieth/' 
There  feemed  a  want  of  a  living  concern  in 
tiie  general.  Next  day  had  a  large  meet- 
ing at  German- town  J  this  was  a  dark  pain- 
ful time  in  the  fore  part ;  truth  meafurably 
arofe,  and  the  word  was  given,  viz, 
"  Let  God  arife,  that  his  enemies  may  be 
*'  fcattered/'  Went  after  meeting  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, and  on  ift  day,  the  20th  of  the 
loth  month,  over  Schuylkill,  to  Merion 
meeting ;  things  appeared  exceeding  low,  as 
to  the  life  of  religion;  I  was  concerned  to 
call  them  to  work  while  it  is  day,  and  it  was 
a  clofe  fearching  time.  On  fecond-day  I 
went  to  the  burial  of  a  valuable  friend  at 
Derby,  the  fame  with  whom  1  had  a  meet- 
ing 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        365 

ing  before-mentioned ;  the  ifieeting  was 
very  large,  and  there  was  great  opennefs  to 
declare  the  truth  with  clearnefs  and  divine 
authority,  even  to  the  confounding  liber- 
tines and  gainfayers,  of  whom  I  fear  there 
is  a  confiderable  number  in  that  place:  this 
feemed  to  me  the  moil  favoured  time  I  had 
had  fmce  I  landed,  and  being  alfo  at  the 
meeting  I  formerly  belonged  to  for  many 
years,  it  was  a  precious  renewal  of  that 
fweet  unity  fome  of  us  had  enjoyed  toge- 
ther many  times  formerly  in  that  place. 
Next  day  I  went  to  Philadelphia;  and  the 
firft-day  following  to  Newtown  meeting, 
in  Chefter  county,  where  I  had  very  fearch- 
ing  laborious  fervice;  things  appeared  to 
me  mournfully  low,  as  to  the  life  of  reli- 
gion, many  being  at  eafe  in  a  profeffioa 
thereof.  I  went  next  day  to  the  month- 
ly-meeting at  Providence,  and  had  fome 
good  edifying  fervice  to  the  poor  in  fpirit ; 
things  appeared  very  low  and  heavy  in  the 
meeting  for  buiinefs.  On  third-day  I  had 
a  large  meeting  at  Radnor,  and  laboured  to 
convince  them  that  there  is  fome  thing  ii^ 
religion  befides  the  form  and  outward  pro- 
feffion,  but  few  feemed  to  me  alive  there- 
in. On  fourth-day  went  to  Haverford 
meeting;  I  was  opened  upon  the  words  of 
the  apoftle,  viz.  '*  Great  is  the  myftery  of 
*'  godlinefs;  God  manifefted  in  the  flelh." 
It  was  a  good  time,  though  the  profefTors 
are  but  few,  and  in  a  poor  weak  ft  ate.     I 

went 


g66        The    JOURNAL    of 

went  on  fifth-day  to  the  monthly-meeting  at 
Derby,  the  life  of  religion  leemed  very  much 
depreffed;  I  was  filent  as  to  miniflry,  but 
had  fome  fervice  in  the  meeting  of  bufineis, 
and  returned  to  the  city  that  night.  I  had 
been  indifpofed  fome  days  pail^  and  in 
much  pain  with  a  kind  of  flux;  took  fome 
medicine  on  fixth-day,  and  was  foon  better. 
Next  day  I  went  to  their  quarterly-meeting 
of  miniflers  and  elders,  where  I  was  living- 
ly  opened  on  that  pafTage,  ''  Him  that  over- 
*'  Cometh,  I  will  make  a  pillar  in  the  hoiife 
*'  of  my  God,"  &c.  Shewing,  that  the 
beafl  and  the  falfe  prophet  mull  be  over- 
come, before  we  can  fland  with  fafety  and 
approbation  in  the  great  work  of  the  mi- 
iiiflry.  This  quarterly-meeting  ended  on 
third -day,  at  the  feveral  fittings  of  which 
I  had  good  open  fervice,  particularly  at  the 
Bank  meeting  on  firft-day  afternoon, 
file  wing  that  thofe  who  are  more  willing 
to  receive  than  to  make  fuitable  returns, 
are  neither  fo  honed  nor  grateful  as  they 
ought  to  be;  and  on  third- day,  at  the  great 
houfe,  being  the  youths  meeting,  which 
was  very  large,  concerning  the  nature  and 
necefTity  of  Chrifl's  baptifin  vv^ith  the  Holy 
Ghofl  and  fire ;  there  was  great  flowing  of 
love  and  enlargement  of  heart  to  the  young 
people  that  way.  On  fourth-day  I  was  at 
a  meeting  appointed  for  the  poor  negroes, 
and  had  open  good  fervice  amongft  them,  in 
^he  free  flowing  of  univerfal  love,  wherein 

I  was 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        367 

I  was  enabled  to  open  unto  them  the  way 
of  Hfe  and  lalvation ;  divers  of  them  ap- 
peared to  be  affedled  and  tendered;  it  was  a 
comfortable  time.  On  fifth-day  I  was  at 
a  marriage  in  the  city,  and  largely  opened 
upon  thefe  words,  viz.  ''  The  bleffing  of 
*'  God  mak  ch  truly  rich,"  &c.  Shewing, 
there  is  no  real  happinefs  in  any  ftation  of. 
life  without  it.  It  was  a  good  time,  for 
truth  prevailed, 

I  fet  out  on  fixth-day,  the  8  th  of  the 
loth  month,  on  my  intended  journey  to- 
ward$  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  Carolina; 
and  went  that  night  to  my  brother-in-law, 
Micajah  Speakman's,  at  Concord.  Next 
day  began  their  quarterly-meeting :  through 
divine  favour,  I  had  thorough  fervice  at 
the  three  meetings  held  there;  on  feventh- 
day,  at  the.m^eeting  of  minifters  and  elders, 
I  was  livingly  opened  upon  theie  words 
of  Chrift,  "  The  difciple  is  not  above  his 
*'  mafter,  nor  the  fervant  above  his  Lord;" 
alfo,  concerning  what  was  declared  of 
Chrift,  "  That  in  his  humiliation,  his  judg- 
*'  meat  wa§  taken  away,"  &c*.  That  it 
is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  if  our  judgment 
in  the  truth  is  taken  away  at  times,  that 
we  may  fee  who  is  the  giver  of  it ;  it  was 
an  effedlual  reaching  time.  On  firft-day  I 
was  mournfully  aifeded  with  a  diftrefilng 
fenle  of  the  apoftacy  of  many  in  that  meet- 
ing. 

f  A^s  viii,  33. 


368        The    JOURNAL    of 

ing,  from  the  life  and  power  of  religion;  I 
had  a  very  clofe  awakening  time,  and  trvith 
mercifully  prevailed.  On  fecond-day  I  was 
largely  opened  with  good  authority,  on 
thefe  and  other  words,  "He  that  cometh 
*'  after  me,  muft  firft  deny  himfelf,"  &c. 
Great  weaknefs  and  want  of  living  concern 
was  felt  in  that  exceeding  large  meeting, 
and  too  much  leaning  to  their  own  under- 
ftanding,  yet  a  faitliful  remnant  is  pre- 
ferved ;  I  was  favoured  to  be  ferviceable  in 
the  meeting  of  bufinefs.  I  took  Birming^ 
ham  and  Kennet  meetings,  in  my  way  tg 
the  quarterly-meeting  at  London-Grove; 
thefe  were  very  large,  and  I  had  deep  fearch- 
ing  fervice  at  them ;  but,  alas  1  the  life  and 
power  of  religion  is  mournfully  departed 
from  by  great  numbers  in  that  highly  fa- 
voured land.  On  feventh-day,  tUe  i6tlx 
of  the  nth  month,  I  w^ent  to  the  quarterr 
ly-meeting  of  mlnifters  and  elders  at  Lon- 
don-Grove; it  was  a  very  painful  diftreffing 
time;  great  barrennefs  and  carnality  appear- 
ed to  have  prevailed  in  too  many  in  thofe 
ftations,  which  was  caufe  of  fore  lamenta- 
tion: my  public;  fervice  amonglt  them 
was  in  much  clofe  plain-dealing,  Ihewing, 
"  that  to  be  carnally-minded  is  death;  and 
^^  that  the  natural  man  underflandeth  not 
*'  the  things  of  the  fpirit  of  God."  Here 
my  intended  companion,  Thomas  Rofs,  met 
me.  On  firft-day  the  meeting  was  very 
large;  I  had  a  clofe  fearching  time,  parti- 

cularly 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        369 

cularly  to  fome  who  flood  in  the  foremofl: 
rank ;  my  fpirit ''  was  much  diftrefled  in 
viewing  the  great  defolation  made  by  the 
prevalence  of  many  evils.  On  fecond-day 
I  had  large  thorough  fervice  to  the  various 
ftates  of  the  members,  and  alfo  in  the  meet- 
ing of  bufinefs,  which  appeared  to  be  well 
conducted;  ibme  fkilful  members  being 
principally  engaged  therein.  On  third-day 
the  meeting  was  very  large,  and  through 
divine  favour,  I  was  ralfed  in  much  ftrengtli 
and  clearnefs  to  divide  the  word  amongft 
them;  fhev/ing,  *'  That  the  children  of 
'*  Ifrael  feared  the  Lord  all  the  days  of 
'^  Jofhua,  and  of  the  elders  that  out-lived 
''  Jofiiua,  who  had  feen  the  wonders  of  the 
''  Lord."  I  was  opened  largely  upon  the 
degeneracy  of  our  Ibcicty,  and  with  great 
weight  and  dread,  I  had  to  fignify,  that 
the  judgments  of  the  Lord  would  be  poured 
out  upon  them,  and  that  what  they  had  yet 
{ctn^  was  but  like  the  beginning  of  forrows, 
that  the  ftroke  would  fall  upon  their  idols, 
their  worldly  enjoyments.  It  came  before 
me  many  times,  that  the  fruits  of  the  earth 
would  be  fmitten,  whereby  there  w^ould  be 
a  fore  famine  in  the  land,  and  that  judg- 
ments, much  heavier  than  they  had  yet 
known,  would  fall  upon  them;  it  feemed 
to  me  various  ways,  of  which  the  fword 
would  be  one.  It  was  an  exceeding  awful 
deep-fearching  time  as  ever  I  knew;  I  hope 
not  eafily  to  be  forgotten.     Next  day  I  went 

to 


370        The    JOURNAL    of 

to  Sadfbury  monthly- meeting,  where  Fhad 
fatisfadlory  fervice,  both  in  the  miniftry  and 
difcipline.  On  fixth-day  we  had  a  meeting 
at  Lancafter;  divers  not  under  onr  name 
came  to  it;  my  concern  therein  was  to  en- 
deavour to  open  to  the  underftanding  of  the 
people,  what  true  reUgion  is:  we  had  a 
pretty  fatisfadlory  meeting  at  Ifaac  White- 
lock's  in  the  evening.  On  feventh-day,  we 
crofTed  Sufquehanna,  at  Wright's- Ferry, 
and  next  day  went  to  Newbury  meet- 
ing; fecond-day  to  Warrington;  third- 
day  to  Huntington ;  fourth-day  to  Monallen ; 
at  all  which  places,  I  had  clofe  thorough 
fervice;  found  things,  as  to  the  life  of 
religion,  very  low  amongft  friends ;  yet  a 
remnant  was  preferved  fenfible  from  whence 
good  comes.  We  went  from  thence  into 
Maryland,  and  had  fmall  meetings  at  Pipe- 
Creek,  and  Bufli-Creek ;  friends  were  few  in 
number,  and  feemed  low  in  religious  expe- 
rience. From  thence,  fording  over  the  great 
river  Patowmack,  we  entered  the  province  of 
Virginia,  and  on  third-day,  the  3d  of  the  1 2th 
month,  we  had  a  very  large  meeting  at  Fair- 
fax: truth  opened  do6lrine  and  counfel 
largely,  fhewing,  that  two  things-  are  eflen- 
tial  to  the  very  being  of  a  true  Chriftian, 
viz.  The  faving  experimental  knowledge  of 
God,  and  the  knowledge  of  ourfelves ;  the 
laft  being  the  natural  confequence  of  the 
firfl :  it  was  a  highly  favoured  time,  and  the 
living  were  fweetly  comforted.      Next  day 

I  had 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        371 

1  had  a  large  meeting  at  Goofe-Creek;  it 
was  an  exceeding  dark  affiidling  time :  my 
mind  was  deeply  impreffed  with  a  fenfe  of 
a  corrupt,  blafting  miniftry  being  amongft 
them;  aiid  the  people  having  itching  ears, 
loved  to  have  it  fo;  this  was  fo  ftrong  upon 
my  mind,  that  I  feared  for  fome  time  I  fhould 
have  been  under  a  neceffity  of  declarimg  it 
publicly  in  the  meetings  I  was  an  intire 
ftranger,  and  did  not  know  by  any  out- 
ward information,  that  they  had  any  who 
appeared  in  public.  After  meeting,  I  took 
fome  of  the  elderly  friends  afide,  and  told 
them  how  it  had  been  with  me,  as  above, 
for  I  was  filent  the  whole  meeting;  I  was 
informed  afterwards,  that  there  was  a  for- 
ward unruly  man,  who  had  given  fenfible 
friends  much  trouble  in  feveral  places,  and 
had  been  much  laboured  with  by  way  of  ad- 
vice, to  refrain  from  his  public  appearance ; 
that  he  had  for  fome  time  fettled  within  the 
compafs  of  that  remote  meeting,  and  was 
encouraged  by  many  of  the  members,  to 
the  great  uneafinefs  of  fome  others.  That 
afternoon  I  put  what  was  upon  my  mind 
in  relation  thereto,  with  a  few  remarks 
thereon,  in  writing,  and  fent  it  to  fome 
friends  of  that  meeting,  but  never  heard 
what  effedl  it  had.  In  our  way  to  Opeckan, 
we  had  a  fmall  meeting  at  a  place  called  the 
Gap,  where  gofpel  docftrine,  fhewing  the 
way  and  means  of  falvation  by  Jefus  Chrift, 
was  freelv  and  largely  preached.  On  firftr 
"^        '  B  b  b  day, 


372        The    JOURNAL    ok 

day,  the  8th  of  the  12th  month,  we  went 
to  Hopewell  meeting;  it  was  an  exceeding 
dark,  affiicling  time;  great  infenfibihty  and 
lukewarmnefs  appeared  in  almoft  a  general 
way ;  I  was  led  in  as  cloie,  plain-dealing, 
and  feaixhing  a  manner,  as  ever  I  remem- 
ber. The  third-day  following  we  had  a 
large  meeting  at  Crooked-Run,  both  friends 
and  many  others  attended.  My  mind  was 
exceedingly  low  the  morning  of  that  day,  be- 
ing lately  let  out  on  a  great  journey,  and  my 
horfe  was  fallen  very  lame,  and  it  feemed  un- 
likely that  I  could  be  fupplied  with  a  fuitable 
one  in  thofe  back  parts :  what  to  do  I  could 
not  tell ;  the  more  I  thought  about  my  dif- 
trefled  condition,  the  more  I  funk  and  was 
perplexed.  In  this  difconfolate  ftate,  I 
went  to  the  meeting :  to  fee  fuch  a  number 
of  other  focieties,  and  fome  of  them  of  high 
rank  by  their  appearance,  ftill  added  to  my 
diftrefs  in  this  weak  ftate,  greatly  fearing 
the  blelTed  truth  Ihould  be  difhonoured 
through  me;  yet  as  I  endeavoured  to  look 
fingly  to  the  Lord,  he  was  gracioully  pleafed 
to  be  a  prefent  help  in  the  needful  time, 
and  appeared  to  my  foul,  as  it  were  in  an 
inftant,  as  a  clear  morning  without  clouds. 
An  heavenly  time  I  had,  upon  thefe  words. 
*'  Truft  in  the  Lord,  and  lean  not  to  thine 
*'  own  underftanding  ;*'  fnewing  clearly, 
that  the  foul's  falvation  was  of  God  and 
not  by,  human  ability:  the  oil  of  glad- 
nefs   ran  fweetiy.       Next    day,     my    horie 

being 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         373 

:being  unexpecfledly  recovered  of  his  lame- 
nefs,  we  fet  out  on  our'  long  journey  to^ 
wards  Carolina,  and  he  continued  well  all 
the  time.  I  write  this  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  fome  poor  travellers  into  whofe 
hands  this  may  fall.  After  three  days  tra- 
i^elling,  we  had  two  poor  frnall  meetings, 
where  the  life  of  religion  feemed  to  be  al- 
nioft,  if  not  wholly  loil,  viz.  Gamp -Creek 
and  Foj'k-Creek;  we  had  but  little  fatis- 
;faclion  in  our  gofpel  labours,  and  endea- 
vours to  revive  true  religion  in  thefe  poor 
places.  From  Fork-Creek,  to  the  firft 
meeting  we  had  in  the  back  fettlements  of 
North-Carolina,  was  about  235  miles.  In 
our  way  thither,  we  had  four  fmall  poor 
meetings,  viz.  Jenito,  Amelia,  and  Ban- 
nilter,  and  a  meeting  at  Kirl)y's,  on  the 
banks  of  Dan- River:  to  fome  of  .  them, 
many  of  other  Ibcieties  came,  and  gofpel 
dodlrine  was  opened  largely  for  their  help 
and  information;  in  which  labour  there 
was  ^good  latisfac^ion ;  but  alas  !  few  under 
our  name  in  thofe  parts,  let  the  true  light 
ihine  before  men,  but  were  moft  of  them 
as  ftumbling  blocks  in  the  w^iy  of  ferious 
inquirers :  w^e  w^ere  enabled  to  clear  our 
minds  to  them,  and  proceeded  on  our  jour- 
ney. On  the  29th  of  the  12th  month,  we  * 
went  to  New-Garden  meeting,  in  North- 
Carolina,  which  was  very  large,  and  moftly 
of  profelTors  with  us :  a  thick,  dark  cloud 
pver-lbadowed  the  fore- part  of  that  meet- 
in  o- 


374        The    JOURNAL    of 

ing,  and  it  was  a  painful,  diftreffing  time; 
moft  of  them  feemed  as  afleep,  (i  Thef.  v. 
6,  7.)  in  the  night;  yet  at  length,  through 
merciful  kindnefs,  truth  prevailed  in  a  good 
degree,  and  a  clofe  awakening  time  it  was, 
and  many  feemed  to  be  reached  and  tendered 
by  the  virtue  of  truth,  and  1  found  great  eafe 
and  liberty  of   fpirit   after  meeting.       On 
fecond-day  we  had  a  large  meeting  at  peep- 
River,  moftly  of  profefTors  with  us,  but  they 
appeared  io  generally  void  of  a  fpiritual  con- 
cern,   that  there  appeared  to  me  no  room 
for  truth  to  arife  into  dominion.     I  found 
it  my  place  to  fit  the  whole  time  in  filence, 
which,  I  believe,  was  no  fmall  difappoint- 
ment.     On  fourth-day,  there  being  a  mar- 
riage,    we    went    to   New-Garden    again; 
wifdom   and  utterance  were  giveu  to  fpeak 
largely  and  with  good  demonftration,  in  a 
very  fearching  manner  to  their  ftates.     On 
fifth-day   we  had  a  meeting  at  Centre;  it 
was  extremely  cold,  and,  as  fome  obferv- 
ed,  the  like  had  not  been  known  there  in 
the  memory  of  man;  and  being  quite  an 
open  meeting-houfe,  and  very  little  of  any 
thing  to  be   felt  amongft  them   of   religi- 
ous warmth,  it  was  really  a  diftreffing  time 
inwardly  and  outwardly ;  yet,  throiigr.  di- 
vine favour,    I  was  preferved  in  a  good  de- 
gree of   refignation.      Next  day  we  had  a 
Imall    meeting    at   Rocky-River.       I    could 
find  very  little  of  the  wreftling  feed  there- 
in;   we  flit  the  whole  meeting  filent,  yet  a 

friend 


JOHN    GRIFF  I  TH.        375 

friend  had  fomething  to  offer  very  fuitable 
to  their  ftates.  On  feventh-day  we  went 
to  their  monthly-meeting  at  Cane-Creek; 
this  was  large,  but  moft  of  the  members 
leemed  void  of  a  folid  fenfe  and  folem- 
nity ;  a  fpirit  of  felf-righteoufnefs  and  con- 
tention was  painfully  felt;  the  leaven  of 
the  Pharifee  leemed  to  prevail,  and  the  few 
living  fenfible  members  were  borne  down 
and  difcouraged:  moft  of  the  meeting  of 
worfhip  was  held  in  filence ;  yet  towards 
the  conclufion,  fome  very  clofe  remarks 
were  delivered  to  their  ftates,  and  very  plain 
dealing  in  the  meeting  of  bufinefs.  It  feems 
to  me,  that  when  affairs  of  importance  come 
before  fuch  a  meeting,  they  are  very  likely 
to  be  perplexed  and  made  worfe  by  ill  ma- 
nagement, which  I  have  reafon  to  believe 
has  been  much  the  cafe  in  that  meeting.  I 
am  perfuaded  many  of  thofe  under  our 
name  have  removed  out  of  Pennfylvania 
and  other  places  to  thofe  parts,  in  their 
own  wills,  having  taken  counfel  of  their 
own  depraved  hearts,  and  when  they  hav^ 
got  thither,  have  fet  up  for  fomething  in 
the  church ;  but  it  feemed  to  me  moft  of 
them  were  very  unfit  for  the  fpiritual  build- 
ing, not  having  been  hewn  in  the  mount. 
We  went  to  their  meeting  on  firft-day,  but 
there  was  much  darknefs  and  death  over 
them ;  I  found  it  my  duty  to  lit  the  whole 
meeting  in  filence.  On  fecond-day  wc  went 
to  the  Spring- meeting;    I  was   led  therein 

largely 


376        The    JOURNAL    of 

largely  to  fpeak  upon  the  fubjecfl  of  water* 
baptiim,  which  I  wondered  much  at,  as 
not  knowing  of  any  being  there  who  did 
not  profefs  Math  us ;  for  as  people  in  gene- 
ral in  thofe  parts,  clothe  in  a  mean  way, 
the  difference  is  not  great  in  their  drefs 
and  appearance.  After  meeting,  I  under- 
flood  that  the  Baptifts  gained  ground  much 
that  way,  and  even  had  prevailed  on  fome 
of  our  fociety  to  join  with  them,  and 
that  their  teacher  was  there;  and  alfo  a 
woman  brought  up  amongft  us,  who  thought 
it  was  her  duty  to  be  baptized,  but  her 
hufband  oppofed  it;  and  that  the  Baptift 
preacher  took  her  and  her  hufband  into  the 
meeting- houfe,  when  the  people  were  gone, 
to  undo  (as  it  was  fuppofed)  that  day's 
work,  or  to  prevent  its  having  effedl  upon 
the  woman :  it  was  a  time  of  great  favour, 
and  the  one  faving  baptifm  was  exalted 
above  all  types,  figns  and  fliadows.  Next  day 
we  had  a  fmall,  poor  meeting  at  the  Haw- 
field's  ;  and  on  fourth-day  we  had  a  meet^ 
ing  at  Eno,  wdiich  was  the  laft  we  had  in 
the  upper  fettlement:  this  was  a  labori- 
ous meeting,  by  clofe,  plain-dealing  Avith 
wrong  fpirits,  for  which,  we  underllood 
afterwards,  there  was  a  caufe.  On  the  9th 
t)f  the  I  ft  month,  1.766,  we  fet  out,  hav- 
ing two  guides,  for  the  lower  fettlements 
of  North  Carolina,  being  about  200  miles, 
and  had  but  two  fmall  meetings  in  the  way, 
viz.  Richfquare,  and  at  one  Stephen's;    at 

the 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        377 

the  firft,  many  of  other  focieties  came  in ; 
the  gofpel  was  freely  declared  with  good  au- 
thority and  clearnefs,  to  the  reaching  of  di- 
vers prefent:  at  the  other  place  there  feemed 
to  be  very  little,  either  form  orfubftance;  we 
were  quite  fliut  up  as  to  miniftry.     We  got 
to  our  friend  Thomas  Newby's,  at  Plney- 
woods,     on    third-day,     the     14th,    being 
pretty  much  fatigued,  we  refted  a  few  days 
there.      On    feventh-day    we    went   to  the 
funeral  of  a  woman  friend,  and  had  a  m.eet- 
ing;  after  a  time  of  deep  wading,  the  word 
was   given   in    counfel   and  fearching  doc- 
trine,   to  their  dates,    who   feemed  moftly 
to  be  fettled  in  a  mere  form  and  profeffion: 
after  meeting  we  went  to  our  friend  Thomas 
Nicholfon's.       The    firft-day   following    we 
were  at  Little-River  meeting,    which   was 
large,  but  very  low  and  dark  in  the  fore- 
part;   the   profelTors   we  felt  were  much  at 
eafe  and   in   a  ftate  of  indifferency ;  yet  at 
length,    in   great  mercy,    the  bleffed  power 
of  truth   arofe,    and  afforded  counfel    and 
docftrine    fuited    to   their    flate.      It  was   a 
fearching  time,  I  hope  not  eafily  to  be  for- 
gotten.   On  third-day  had  a  large  meeting  at 
Simon's-Creek ;   through  divine  favour  gof- 
pel truths  were  opened  there,  with  clearnefs 
and  good  demonftration,  to  the  affecT:ing  of 
many  hearts.     Next  day  had   a   meeting  at 
Newbegun,    which   was    pretty   large    and 
open.     On   fifth-day  we  had  a  very   large 
meeting   at   Oldneck,    near   the    centre   of 

friends 


J78         Thk    journal    of 

friends  in  this  fettlenient,  and  others  catnc 
together  in  abundance.  I  was  fhut  vip  the 
whole  time  in  filence,  which  I  apprehended 
they  had  not  been  much  ufed  to.  Next 
day  we  had  a  large  meeting  at  Wells,  iii 
which  I  had  a  clofe  learching  time ;  but, 
alas !  it  feemed  to  me  that  the  profefTors  of 
truth  here-about,  are  many  of  them  far  gone 
from  a  lively  {enfe  of  true  religion,  and  are 
become  harder  to  reach  than  people  of  other 
focieties.  On  firfl-day,  the  26th  of  the 
I  ft  month,  we  had  a  very  large  meeting  at 
Ringwood's,  it  being  the  laft  we  were  to 
have  in  Carolina ;  fome  friends  came  to  it, 
I  believe,  from  all  the  other  meetings,  with 
many  of  other  focieties:  at  firft  it  was  a 
time  of  painful  travail,  but  at  length  the 
great  M after  was  pleafed  to  give  wifdoni 
and  ftrength,  in  gofpel  authority  to  open 
the  ftate  of  the  fociety  in  thofe  parts,  and 
to  divide  to  them  feverally ;  alfo  to  fliew, 
that  in  every  difpenfation  of  God  to  man, 
he  was  pleafed  to  give  to  thofe  who  are 
iincerely  attentive,  clear  evidence  of  his 
will,  and  approbation  of  their  obedience; 
it  was  a  highly  favoured  time,  which,  I 
hope,  will  not  foon  be  forgotten.  Next  day 
w^e  travelled  into  Virginia,  and  on  third- 
day  had  a  meeting  at  Somerton's ;  the  doc- 
trine of  truth  was  largely  opened,  and  fome 
very  cloie  remarks  on  the  ftate  of  our  fo- 
ciety;  many  others  alfo  being  prefent:  the 
veftimony  had  a  confiderable  reach.     Next 

day 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        379 

day  we  had  a  large  meeting  at  the  Wefterrt 
Branch  of  Nancemund:  thofe  under  our 
profelTion  appeared  too  generally  unac- 
quainted with  the  work  of  religion  upon 
their  heax'ts;  many  weighty  truths  were 
clofely  delivered,  but  did  not  feem  to  take 
fo  much  effect  upon  the  minds  of  many,  as 
could  have  been  defired. 

On  fifth- day  we  had  a  large  meeting  at 
Black-Water;  the  greateft  number  of  Ne- 
groes were  at  it  that  I  ever  fliw  at  a  meet- 
ing not  appointed  on  purpofe  for  them: 
this  was  a  highly  favoured  time;  the  ever- 
lafting  gofpel  was  preached  with  clearnefs 
and  good  demonftration,  fliewing,  that  the 
inward  and  fpiritual  knowledge  of  God, 
is  the  fubftance  of  true  religion;  and  that, 
according  to  the  prophet,  this  knowledge 
was  to  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover 
the  fea.  I  had  great  fatisfadlion  and  comfort 
in  the  labour  of  that  day.  We  went  frora 
hence  to  the  quarterly-meeting  at  Black- 
Creek;  the  number  here  was  large,  but, 
alas !  great  deadnefs,  infenfibility,  and  dark- 
nefs  were  felt  to  prevail  among  ft  them ; 
clofe  labour,  in  great  plainnefs,  was  ufed, 
fhewing  the  caufe  thereof:  amongll  other 
things,  that  which  appeared  none  of  the  leafl; 
was  their  keeping  the  negroes  in  perpetual 
flavery.  I  was  often  concerned  to  ufe  plain- 
nefs in  families  where  I  went,  in  refpedl  to 
this  matter,  and  am  fatisfied  truth  will 
never  profjper  amongft  them,  nor  any  others. 


380        The    journal    of 

who  are  in  the  pradlice  of  keeping  this 
race  of  mankind  in  bondage.  It  is  too 
nianifeft  to  be  denievl,  that  the  life  of  reli- 
gion is  almofl  loft  where  flaves  are  very- 
numerous  ;  and  it  is  impofTible  it  fliould  be 
otherwife,  the  pracflice  being  as  contrary  to 
the  fpirit  of  Chriftianity  as  light  is  to 
darknefs.  Through  divine  favour,  the  tefli- 
mony  of  truth  prevails  againft  it  in  mofl 
of  the  American  colonies,  efpecially  in 
Pennfylvania  and  the  Jerfeys.  We  took 
meetings  from  this  place  at  Burleigh,  Pe- 
terlburg,  at  Curl's,  over  James's  River, 
Wain-Oak,  John  Crew's,  Black-Creek,  and 
the  Swamp;  moft  of  which  were  very  la- 
borious, in  a  forrowful  {enfc  that  the  life 
of  religion  was  too  generally  departed  from ; 
yet  in  all  of  them,  except  Wain-Oak,  a 
degree  of  wifdoin  and  utterance  was  given, 
to  labour  in  the  love  of  the  gofpel  for 
their  help  and  recovery;  which  I  hope  was 
not  altogether  in  vain.  The  next  meet- 
ings we  went  to  were  Cedar-Creek,  and 
Caroline,  being  the  laft  we  had  in  Virginia, 
they  were  large ;  not  only  thofe  under  our 
profeflion  attended,  but  alfo  many  others, 
as  was  often  the  cafe  in  thefe  parts.  I  think 
it  may  be  truly  faid,  thefe  were  memorable 
meetings:  the  gofpel  was  preached  in  the 
demonftration  of  the  fpirit  and  with  power, 
which  appeared  to  reach  and  tender  many 
if  not  moft  prefent,  and  my  mind  was  com- 
fortably relieved  from  that  painful  weight 

of 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        381 

of  death  and  darknefs  which  moftly  attend- 
ed it  in  thefe  greatly  corrupted  colonies. 
On  fifth-day,  the  13th  of  the  2d  month, 
we  fet  out  for  Maryland,  croffing  Rappaba- 
nock-River  at  Port-Royal.,  and  Patowmack, 
about  three  miles  over,  at  How*s-Ferry. 
We  got  to  Weft-River  meeting  on  firft- 
day,  the  i6th  of  the  2d  month.  We  found 
very  little  if  any  thing  in  that  meeting, 
of  that  fimplicity  and  felf-denial  fo  con- 
fpicuous  in  our  ancients ;  but  a  conformity 
to  the  falhions  and  corrupt  cuftoms  of  a 
vain  world.  The  gofpel  power  arofe,  giv- 
ing ability  to  fet  forth  the  nature  of  Chrif- 
tianity,  and  how  far  the  profeffbrs  had  de- 
viated therefrom  in  life  and  pra6lice.  The 
judgment  of  truth  was  fet  over  libertines 
and  unfaithful  profelTors  thereof.  The  next 
meetings  we  had,  were  at  Indian-Spring, 
Sandy- Spring,  Elkridge,  Patapfco,  Gun- 
Powder,  Little-Falls,  Bufli-River,  and 
Deer-Creek;  we  were  alfo  at  Deer-Creek 
monthly-meeting  next  day:  in  all  which 
meetings,  ability  was  mercifully  given,  to 
divide  the  word  fuitably  to  the  various 
ftates,  which  feemed,  in  a  general  way, 
much  out  of  the  order,  aiid  from  under 
the  government  of  truth;  yet  the  labour 
tended  to  folid  fatisfadlion  and  peace;  I 
hope  it  may  be  reniembered  by  fome  to  ad- 
vantage. 

Thus  having  vifited  the  weftern  fliore  of 
Maryland,   we  ci'oITed  the  great  river  Suf- 

quehanna 


j82         The    JOURNAL    of 

quehanna,  and  went  to  the  houfe  of  our  friend 
John  Churchman,  near  Eaft  Nottingham. 
On  firft-day,  the  2d  of  the  3d  month,  we 
went  to  that  meeting,  which  was  very  large^ 
the  profellors  of  truth  being  numerous  here- 
about; to  this  great  allembly,  the  goijpel 
of  life  and  falvation  was  powerfully  preach- 
ed, Ihewing  the  force  of  truth,  how  it 
gained  the  general  aflent  of  people,  yet  few 
were  concerned  to  know  the  fame  in  ex- 
perience or  pradlice.  It  was  a  highly  fa- 
voured time,  and  the  meeting  feemed  to 
be  generally  aflecfled.  From  Nottingham 
we  went  to  the  following  meetings,  viz. 
New-Garden,  HockelTon,  Center,  and  Ken-* 
net,  which  were  moftly  large,  abiuidance 
flocking  to  them  from  adjacent  meetings. 
The  travail  of  fpirit  in  thefe  meetings  was 
very  deep  and  painful  \  much  diftreffing  flat- 
nefs  and  infenfibility  were  felt;  yet,  through 
merciful  help,  truth  prevailed  and  largely 
opened  do6lrine  and  counfel  fuitable  to 
their  fiates ;  fhewing,  there  \%  not  the  leaft 
grounds  to  hope  for  happinefs  in  a  future 
Hate,  unlefs  true  religion  becomes  the  prin- 
cipal concern  of  the  mind ;  and  abundance 
more,  in  the  free  extendings  of  gofpel  life 
and  power,  to  the  reaching  of  many  hearts : 
everlaflingly  adored,  reverenced,  and  wor- 
ihipped,  be  infinite  condefcending  love. 
Amen  I 

From    Kennet .  I   went    home    with    my 
filler    Speakman    to    Concord,     and   ,fl:aid 

there 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        383 

there  one  night,  and  iiext  day  to  Golhen 
monthly-nieciing,  which  was  very  large; 
there  was  a  great  body  of  friends,  generally 
under  a  plain  appearance ;  but,  alas !  it  pro- 
ved a  painful,  gloomy  time  of  filent  travail 
to  me,  the  Mvhole  time  of  worfhip ;  and 
through  the  meeting  of  bulinefs,  though  in 
a  good  degree  regularly  and  decently  con- 
duded,  the  cloud  flill  remained ;  this  I  am 
perfuaded  was  occafioned  by  the  lukewarm 
carelefs  ftaie  of  many  members;  there  is 
great  want  of  that  living  concern  and  holy 
ardour  of  foul,  which  tlie  Lord  is  often 
pleafed  to  own  in  our  religious  meetings. 
The  members  engaging  in  his  work,  with- 
out his  prefence  to  animate  and  endow  with 
heavenly  wifdom,  cannot  fail  of  caufing 
thick  darknefs,  which  may  be  felt  by  thofe 
who  are  truly  alive  and  have  their  fpiritual 
fenfes  exercifed.  After  meeting,  my  valu- 
able companion,  Thomas  Rofs  and  I  part- 
ed for  the  prefent,  he  returning  home,  and 
I  flaid  Gofiien  meeting,  on  firft-day,  the 
9th  of  the  3d  month.  It  was  very  large, 
and  in  the  fore-part  low  and  cloudy;  yet 
at  length  I  was  favoured  with  a  degree  of 
faith,  which  enabled  me  to  ftand  up,  and 
as  I  continued  in  patience,  I  found  an  in- 
creafe,  with  conliderable  enlargement  to 
fpeak  clofely  to  their  feveral  ftates,  from 
thefe  words,  "  Truft  in  the  Lord  with  all 
*'  thy  heart,  and  lean  not  to  thine  own  un- 
''  derftanding."     But,  alas!  very  many  of 

them 


384        The    journal    of 

them  feemed  to  be  far  gone  into  the  fplrlt 
of  the  world,  and  at  eafe  in  a  profeffion; 
fo  that  inftead  of  Goflien  being  a  land  of 
light,  darknefs  hath  prevailed  in  a  forrow- 
ful  degree,  and  many  are  not  fenfible  of  it 
to  lament  it.  I  went  from  thence  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, taking  Derby  meeting  in  my  way ; 
got  thither  on  fixth-day,  the  14th  of  the 
3d  month,  having  been  on  this  journey 
abmit  four  months.  I  was  received  with 
affecSionate  kindnefs  by  my  friends  in  that 
city,  and  attended  three  meetings  on  the 
firfl-day  following;  at  two  of  which  I 
was  filent,  as  was  often  my  lot  there, 
I  believe  to  difappoint  and  famifh  the  un- 
fandlified  defires  and  cravings  of  many  after 
words.  I  attended  their  week-day  meet- 
ings, and  had  confiderable  fervice  therein. 
On  feventh-day  began  their  general  Spring- 
meeting,  which  ended  on  third-day  follow- 
ing ;  fome  of  thofe  large  meetings  were  held 
moftly  in  filence.  I  had  then,  as  has  often 
been  the  cafe,  a  deep  travail  upon  my  fpirit, 
that  the  people  might  be  led  by  the  exam- 
ple of  minifters  and  elders,  to  find  the 
comfort  and  advantage  of  true  filent  wor- 
fliip,  every  one  coming  to  fit  under  their 
own  vine  and  under  their  own  fig-tree, 
where  none  could  make  them  afraid.  I 
had,  notwithftanding,  at  fome  of  them, 
good,  open,  public  fervice.  I  flaid  in 
the    city    till    their   monthly-meeting    was 

over 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         385 

over  on  fixth-day,  where  I  had  fome  clofe 
fervice,  and  then  went  to  the  yearly-meet- 
ing at  Wilmington,  and  was  at  four  meet- 
ings in  two  days.  At  three  of  them,  the 
truths  of  the  gofpel  were  largely  and  with 
clearnefs  declared,  to  much  fatisfacftion  and 
comfort,  I  returned  towards  the  city,  at- 
tending Derby  monthly-meeting  in  my 
way,  where  things  appeared  mournfully 
low;  fome  of  the  a(flive  members  feeming 
veiy  unfkilful  in  the  management  of  the 
difcipline:  earned  labour  was  beftowed, 
but  I  thought  it  had  very  little  effedl.  On 
fixth-day  I  went  to  the  children's  meeting 
in  the  city ;  I  fuppofe  there  were  atout  200 
in  all,  of  both  fexes.  On  firfl-day,  the 
6th  of  the  4th  month,  in  company  with 
feveral  friends,  I  crofTed  Delaware,  at  Glou- 
cefter-Foint :  the  wind  blowing  very  hard, 
it  appeared  dangerous;  yet  the  boatmen  be- 
ing very  careful,  through  mercy  we  got 
well  over,  and  went  to  Woodbury  meet-* 
ing,  which  was  very  large,  and  the  gofpel 
power  livingly  arofe,  wherein  many  weighty 
truths  were  delivered,  lliewing  the  great 
ufe  of  that  propenfity  in  man  of  feeking 
after  happinefs,  if  rightly  direded;  alfo, 
wherein  true  happinefs  confifts,  and  how 
to  attain  the  fame.  It  was  a  good  time, 
through  the  gracious  extendings  of  merci- 
ful regard.  I  went  home  with  my  near 
friend  Ifaac  Andrews,  who  bore  me  com- 
pany this  journey,  three  or  four  weeks  in 

the 


386        The    JOURNAL    op 

the  Jerfeys;  we  had  meetings  that  week  at 
Upper  Greenwich,  Piles-Grove,  at  the  head 
of  Alloway's-Creek,  Salem,  and  Alloway's- 
Creek;  thefe  meetings  were  moftly  large; 
great  kikewarmnefs  and  infenfibility  were 
painfully  felt,  many  feeming  to  reft  in 
only  profeffing  the  religion  of  their  educa- 
tion; for  thefe  I  had  a  deep  concern  and 
travail  of  mind,  that  they  might  come  to 
know  Chrift  formed  in  them.  The  Lord 
w^as  gracioufly  pleafed,  in  great  kmdnefs 
and  condefcenfion,  to  furnifli  with  matter 
and  utterance  in  an  awakening  nianner,  in 
order  to  make  them  fenfible  of  the  nature 
and  importance  of  true  religion  and  wor- 
fhip :  may  it  not  be  in  vain !  On  firft-day, 
the  13th  of  the  4th  month,  we  went  to 
Greenwich  meeting;  the  glorious  gofpel- 
power  eminently  manifefted  itfelf  that  day, 
by  clearly  opening  divers  weighty  points 
of  dodlrine,  fuitable  to  the  various  ftates  of 
that  large  auditory;  among  other  things, 
Ihewing  that  the  true  and  faving  know- 
ledge of  God,  whereby  we  obtain  the  right 
knowledge  of  ourfelves,  is  elTential  to  the 
very  being  of  a  real  Chrlftian ;  and  by  what 
means  that  knowledge  is  obtained.  It  was 
a  highly  favoured  time,  for  the  Lord's 
heavenly  power  was  over  all,  and  the  peo- 
ple appeared  to  be  generally  affecfled.  Next 
day  we  had  a  large  meeting  among  the 
Prefbyterians,  at  a  place  called  New-Eng- 
land Town;    their  minifter  having  conde- 

fcended 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,     ^  3^^; 

fcended  to  give  notice  the  day  before  from 
the  pulpit,  of  a  meeting  for  vis ;  he  attend- 
ed it  himfelf,  with,  I  fuppofe,  moft  of 
his  hearers,  who  behaved  folid  and  refpe<5l- 
ful.  The  univerfal  love  of  God,  tlirough 
Chrift,  to  mankind,  was  largely  fet  forth, 
and  people  direcfled  from  outward  obfer- 
vations,  to  the  fubflance,  whereby  viiftory 
might  be  obtained  over  fin:  it  was  a  fa- 
voured time,  and  the  people  feemed  gene- 
rally well  afFedled  and  very  loving,  though 
divers  things  were  delivered  which  are 
ufually  controverted  between  us  and  thofe 
people;  there  was  no  vilible  oppofition, 
but  all  pafTed  off  quiet  and  peaceable.  On 
fourth-day  we  travelled  a  day's  journey 
through  the  Pine-barren  wildernefs,  to 
Cape-May;  we  had  one  meeting  there, 
and  two  at  Great  Egg- Harbour.  We  found 
the  number  of  profelTors  fmall,  and  things, 
as  to  the  life  of  religion,  low;  yet  we 
were  enabled  to  adminifter  fuitably  to  their 
ftates  for  their  help  and  recovery,  and  had 
a  good  degree  of  fatisfadlion  and  peace 
therein.  On  thii?d-day,  the  2  2d  of  the 
4th  month,  we  had  a  large  meeting  at  Lit- 
tle Egg-Harbour;  after  a  time  of  trying 
pcHterty  and  deep  travail,  gofpel  life  and 
power  mercifully  arofe,  in  which,  dodlrine 
and  C4)unfel  flowed  forth  freely  to  divers 
ftates,  particularly  to  a  libertine  youth. 
Next  day  we  had  a  meeting  in  a  new 
Prefbyterian  meeting-houfe,  near  Barnag:att  - 
Ddd  {[ 


388        The    JOURNAL    of 

it  was  a  large  meeting,  and  held  more  than 
an  hour  in  filence,  which  the  people  were 
not  accuftomed  to.  At  length  the  word 
was  given  with  authority  and  clearnefs, 
fliewing  the  neceffity  and  advantage  of 
filence  in  worfliip,  and  diftinguifhing  Chrif- 
tians  of  the  letter  from  Chriftians  of  the 
fpirit,  as  alfo  minifters  of  the  letter  from 
minifters  of  the  fpirit ;  and  that  tliofe  who 
are  always  ready  to  preach,  muft  either  have 
the  fpirit  at  command,  or  a(5l  without  it. 
It  was  a  great  and  good  time;  the  people 
appeared  to  be  generally  afFedled,  and  all 
paifed  off  quietly,  without  any  oppofition. 
We  travelled  on  by  the  fea-fide,  to  a  place 
called  Good-Luck,  where  we  found  a  large 
meeting-houfe  eredled  though  not  quite 
finiflied,  by  one  Thomas  Potter,  intended 
by  him,  it  feems,  for  all  preachers  to  make 
ufe  of  who  would  preach  freely,  except 
Papifts,  who  would  not  be  admitted  even  on 
thofe  terms ;  we  had  a  meeting  in  it,  but 
notice  not  coming  timely,  nor  Thomas 
Potter  being  at  home  himfelf,  it  was  fmall 
and  to  little  fatisfacflion.  We  met  him  that 
afternoon  on  his  return,  he  feemed  fbrry  he 
happened  to  be  out  at  that  time ;  he  fees 
beyond  hireling  miniftry,  and  I  underftand, 
inclines  moft  to  friends  of  any,  but  joins 
to  none.  On  fixth-day  we  had  a  poor,  low 
meeting,  at  Monefquan;  I  doubt,  but 
very  few  therein  were  alive  in  religion; 
ibme  gofpeWabours  were  beftowed  for  their 

help. 


JOHN    GRIFFITH,        389 

help.  We  went  after  meeting  to  Shr^wf- 
bury,  intending  to  be  at  their  quarterly- 
meeting,  which  begun  on  firft-day,  the 
27th  of  the  4th  month.  It  was  exceed- 
ing large;  fonae  folid  friends  were  prefent, 
alfo  many  loofe,  libertine  people  under  our 
name,  and  of  other  focieties.  In  that  fad 
mixture,  the  life  of  religion  was  exceed- 
ingly depreffed,  ^nd  my  mind  in  fympathy 
with  it:  I  could  not  wade  through  to  get 
eafe  and  fatisfaclion  that  day,  though  I  la- 
boured very  hard.  Next  day  the  meeting 
was  very  large,  the  power  of  truth  in  mar- 
Tellous  kindnefs  arofe,  and  the  gofpel  was 
preached  with  good  authority  and  clearnefs, 
to  the  various  ftates  of  that  great  auditory. 
The  meeting  of  bufinefs  followed;  there 
feemed  btit  little  judgment  to  maintain  good 
order  and  difcipline:  unity  appeared  not  fo 
general  as  could  have  been  defired.  On 
third-day  abundance  of  people  flocked  to 
meeting,  perhaps  with  much  expectation; 
but  my  way  was  fhut  up  as  to  miniftry, 
and  but  very  little  from  any  other;  I 
found  peace  and  fatisfaction  by  abiding  in 
my  place.  On  fifth-day  I  went  to  Chefter^ 
field  monthly-meeting;  it  was  very  large, 
and  I  had  deep  and  painful  wading  therein, 
in  my  public  fervice,  fhewing  what  man  is 
by  nature,  whatever  mode  or  form  of  reli- 
gion he  decks  and  adorns  himfelf  withal ; 
for  that  which  is  born  of  the  flefh  is  but 
iMti,    and   cannot  fee  the  kii||[dom  of  God. 

I  got 


390        The    JOURNAL    or 

I  got  through  at  laft  to  a  pretty  good  de- 
gree of  fatisfadlion,  but  found  much  clofe 
labour  in  the  meeting  of  bufinefs,  and  faw 
great  deviation  from  the  right  thing,  in 
fome  high  ruHng  members,  who  had  car- 
ried an  affair  through  that  meeting  againft 
the  moft  hvely  part  of  the  body,  which 
they  'themfelves  had  fufficient  caufe  to  re- 
pent. On  lixth  and  feventh-days,  I  had 
meetings  at  Upper-Freehold,  and  New- 
Springfield,  and  on  firft-day,  the  4th  of 
the  5th  month,  had  a  very  large  meeting  at 
Mansfield  in, the  morning,  and  another  at 
Borden-Town  in  the  evening.  The  people 
feemed  full  of  expedation  from  one  come 
fp  far;  but  it  pleafed  the  great  Mailer, 
without  whofe  gracious  aid  the?  poor  fer- 
vant  can  do  nothing  to  advantage,  to  fhut 
me  wholly  up  as  to  miniflry,  in  both 
places,  to  the  great  difappointment  of  many ; 
but  there  was  no  remedy;  I  durft  not  con- 
trive or  form  any  thing  for  them :  how- 
ever, I  have  no  doubt,  but  filence  was  the 
mLoft  profitable  leflbn  for  thofe  meetings. 
I  went  next  day  to  Burlington  monthly- 
meeting,  it  was  large  and  divinely  favour- 
ed;  the  doctrine  of  truth  flowed  forth 
freely,  fliewiiag  what  it  is  to  be  a  fellow- 
citizen  with  the  faints  and  of  the  houfhold 
of  faith.  On  third-day  I  had  a  laborious 
meeting  at  Ancocas,  yet  had  ibnie  good, 
open  fervice  towards  the  latter-end,  which 
feemed  to  faiRn  0{i  divers  minds.     I  got  to 

Philadelphia 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         391 

Philadelphia  next  day,  and  on  fifth-day, 
the  8th  of  the  5th  month,  went  to  the  mar- 
riage of  John  Pembei  ton,  and  Hannah,  the 
daughter  of  my  worthy  friends  Ifaac  and 
Sarah  Zane.  It  was  at  the  great  meeting-houfe, 
being  large,  and  there  appeared  too  much 
defire  and  expedlation  after  words,  which 
often  hurts  meetings  and  blocks  up  the 
way  of  minifters,  which  feemed  the  cafe 
now  for  a  while;  yet  at  length  fome,  I 
hope  profitable  labour  was  bellowed,  from 
the  words  of  our  Lord,  **  BlefTed  are  they 
"  that  hunger  and  thirft  after  righteouf- 
*'  nefs."  On  firft-day,  the  nth  of  the 
5th  month,  I  attended  three  large  meet- 
ings in  the  city,  in  all  which,  I  thought 
it  my  duty  to  fet  an  example  of  filence. 
Near  the  clofe  of  the  evening  meeting,  it 
was  ^  fweet  refrefhing  time;  the  thirfty  foul 
had  to  drink  of  that  river  that  maketh  glad 
the  whole  city  of  God;  in  the  enjoyment 
whereof,  there  was  comfortable  folacing 
reft  from  the  painful  labour  of  tlxat  day, 
and  full  fatisfadlion,  with  thankfulnefs  that 
I  had  been  preferved  in  my  place.  I  ftaid 
their  week-day  meeting  on  third-day,  which 
was  large ;  the  power  and  wiidom  of  truth 
opened  deep  counfel  and  doclrinc,  pointing 
out  the  different  ftates  of  profeifors  in  that 
city,  that  fome  of  the  true  wrefliing  feed 
dare  not  choofe  or  contrive  for  themfelves, 
which  way  to  be  fed ;  wluether  immediately 
by  the  great  Shepherd's  own  hand,  or  inltru- 

mentally 


392        The    JOURNAL    of 

mentally  by  his  fervants;  and  that  there 
were  many  others  anxioufly  choofing  to  be 
fed  with  teftimonies  and  outward  declarati- 
ons, which  (late  ought  to  befamifhed;  alfo, 
that  the  time  would  come,  when  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  by  way  of  miniftry,  would  be 
vei^  precious,  and  he  would  command  the 
clouds  to  rain  no  rain  upcm  fuch ;  that  it 
was  already  a  time  of  parching  drought, 
becaufe  of  idolatry ;  yet  the  LQ|-d  would 
open  fprings  to  the  feed  of  Jacob,  in  the 
midft  of  the  vallies,  and  in  his  own  time 
bring  them  to  Rehoboth.  It  was  a  great 
and  good  time,  and  the  meeting  was  much 
affedled.  1  fet  out  next  day  for  New-Eng- 
land, and  had  meetings  in  my  way  to  Long- 
Ifland,  at  Byberry,  Middletown,  and  Stony- 
brook,  where  my  ojd  companion  Thomas 
Rofs,  met  me:  my  fervice  was,  very  clofe 
and  Searching  at  thefe  meetings.  Alas!  how 
hath  an  indolent  fpirit  prevailed  on  the  pro- 
feflbrs  of  truth ;  a  fmall  remnant  excepted, 
w^ho  are  preferved  in  moft  places,  to  rejoice, 
in  the  deep  painful  labours,  in  great  mercy 
yet  continued  to  the  churches.  We,  in 
company  with  feveral  other  friends  pro- 
ceeded on  our  journey,  in  order  to  attend 
Flufhing  yearly-meeting,  on  Long-Ifland 
for  the  government  of  New- York.  On 
fifth-day,  the  2  2d  of  the  5th  month,  we 
attended  the  monthly  and  quarterly-meet- 
ings of  minifters  and  elders  at  Flufhing; 
in  the  latter  I  had  comfortable  open  fervice, 

upon 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.         393 

upon  the  blefGng  pronounced  by  our  gra-^ 
cious  Redeemer  to  the  poor  in  fpirlt,  fhew- 
ing  the  necefllty  and  ufefulnefs  of  that  (late ; 
and  alfo  fetting  forth  the  effentlal  qualifica- 
tions of  a  gofpel  minifler.  It  was  a  bleP- 
fed  time,  and  the  upright-hearted  were 
fweetly  comforted.  Next  day  was  held  the 
quarterly-meeting,  which  was  fmall,  and 
things,  as  to  the  life  of  religion,  were  felt 
to  be  very  low ;  a  painful  gloominefs  hav- 
ing fpread  itfelf,  through  a  want  of  living 
concern  in  many  of  the  members,  and  from 
fome  prefuming  to  adl  in  the  church,  too 
much  in  their  own  will  and  wifdom;  yet 
the  Lord  who  waits  to  be  gracious,  afford- 
ed dod:rine  and  counfel  fuitable  to  their 
ftates ;  fliewing,  there  is  one  body  and  one 
fpirit,  and  that  all  the  members  who  adl 
profitably,  muft  know  a  being  baptized  by 
that  one  fpirit  into  the  one  myftical  body. 
I  found  great  numbnefs  in  the  meeting  of 
bufinefs ;  my  fpirit  was  deeply  baptized  in- 
to fufiering  therein,  and  conftrained  to  lay 
their  condition  before  them  by  very  clofe 
fearching  obfervations,  which  appeared  to 
take  fome  imprefTion,  and  my  mind  was 
much  relieved  thereby.  On  feventh-day 
morning  the  yearly-meeting  of  miniflers 
and  elders  was  held,  which  was  fmall,  and 
the  vital  part  of  religion  feemed  to  be  mucli 
obflru6ted;  fome  clofe  remarks  were  deli- 
vered, which  aflx)rded  confiderable  relief: 
at  eleven  came  on  the  firft  public  meeting 

f^ 


394        The    journal    at 

for  worfhip,  the  time  of  which  was  taken 
:up  very  unprofitably  by  an  unlkilful  ap- 
pearance; after  which,  the  bufinefs  was 
entered  upon,  and  was  a  painful  diftreffing 
time;  the  forward,  bufy,  adlive  fpirit  of 
man  was  let  loofe  in  a  few  elderly  perfbns, 
who  had  placed  themf elves  at  the  helm  of 
government  there,  and  who  feemed  to  have 
got  fuch  an  afcendancy  over  the  meeting, 
as  to  bear  down  whatever  appeared  in  the 
right  line  of  tendernefs  and  truth's  fimpli- 
city,  when  they  did  not  fee  fit  to  promote 
it.  The  attempt  was  to  lay  afide  the  ne- 
ceflary  queries  to  be  anfwered  by  inferior, 
to  fuperior  meetings ;  I  was  favoured  with 
a  degree  of  wifdom  and  ftrength  to  with- 
ftand  that  fpirit,  and  to  fhew  the  neceffity 
of  proper  queries,  in  order  that  the  ftate 
of  the  fociety  might  be  better  underftood: 
how  elfe  could  fuitable  advice  be  admi- 
niftered  ?  But  through  the  cowardice  of 
many  prefent,  I  was  left  to  engage  much 
alone ;  yet  have  CAufe  to  believe,  that  the 
weapons  given  both  in  the  meeting  and 
afterwards  in  private  conference,  wounded 
that  fpirit  deeply,  and  gave  honed  friends 
a  clearer  fight  of  it  than  they  had  before. 
Things  in  the  fucceeding  meetings  were 
managed  with  more  harmony  and  peace, 
and  the  meetings  for  worihip  were  very 
large;  wherein  the  everlafting  gofpel  ^vas 
preached  with  clearneis  and  demonflration : 
many  were  deeply  affecled,    and  the  great 

Author 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        39^ 

Author  was  humbly  worfhipped  and  adored, 
who  is  worthy  for  ever! 

We  went  from  Flufhing,  and  had  a  large, 
meeting  at  Cow-Neck,  in  which  truth  open- 
ed gofpel-docSrine  largely,  to  the  tendering 
of  many  hearts.  Next  day  we  had  an 
exceeding  large  meeting  at  Weftbury:  as 
there  was  general  notice,  abundance  of 
people  came  from  feveral  parts  of  the  illand^ 
io  that  there  was  near  as  larg-e  a  concourfe, 
as  at  the  yearly-meeting;  their  expectations 
were  much  after  words,  but  they  had  none 
from  me,  being  fhut  up  in  filence  the  whole 
time:  the  monthly-meeting  of  bufinefs  was 
held  at  the  clofe  thereof.  We  had  very  large 
meetings  afterwards,  on  this  illand  at  Mati- 
nicock,  Oyfter-Bay,  Bethphage,  and  Seque- 
tague;  and  notwithftanding  the  low,  lan- 
guid (late  of  the  fociety,  gofpel  truths  were 
largely  delivered,  and  livingly  opened  iu 
them.  We  then  travelled  towards  the  eaft 
end  of  the  ifland,  on  our  way  to  Rhode- 
Ifland,  and  on  third-day,  the  3d  of  the  6th 
month,  went  on  board  a  vefTel  about  eight 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  taking  our  horfes 
with  us,  and  landed  fafe  at  Gratten,  oppo- 
fite  to  New  London  in  the  colony  of  Con- 
nefticut,  about  one  o'clock  the  fame  day. 
We  got  that  night  to  our  friend  Peter 
Davis's,  in  Rhode-liland  government,  about 
twenty-two  miles.  We  had  a  meeting  next 
day  at  Wefterley,  the  governor  of  the  pro- 
vince was  at  it  and  behaved  kindly,  in- 
E  e  e  viti^g 


396        The    JOURNAL    of 

viting  us  to  his  houfe ;    but  it  did  not  fuit 
VIS  to  go. 

Ill  order  to. fill  up  our  time  before  the 
yearly-meeting,  we  had  meetings  at  a  new 
meeting- houfe  near  James  Perry's,  South 
Kingfton,  Greenwich,  Nefliantecut,  and 
Providence;  and  though  we  found  fome 
honeft  travellers  for  Sion's  profperity,  yet, 
for  the  moft  part,  things,  as  to  the  hfe  of 
religion,  appeared  mournfully  low,  indif- 
ferency  prevailing  in  many,  and  divers 
undue  liberties  in  others.  I  was  much  af- 
iiicled  at  fome  of  the  meetings  with  the 
dark  principles  of  deifm,  and  v/as  favoured 
with  ability  to  lay  open  the  wickednefs  and 
grofs  abfurdity  of  fuch  principles,  warning 
friends  and  others  to  fliun  the  converfation 
of  tliofe  tindtured  therewith,  as  thev  would 
a  poifonous  ferpent.  On  fifth  day,  the 
42th  of  the  6th  month,  the  yearly-meeting 
for  New-England  began  at  Portfmouth  on 
Rhode-Ifland;  this  meeting  was  very  large 
as  to  number;  but,  alas!  it  was  a  dark 
gloomy  time  of  deep  falfering:  the  glory 
and  diadem  of  our  religious  afTemblies  feems 
to  be  forrowfully  removed  from  thefe  people, 
and  inflea^  of  the  meeting  being  covered 
therewith,  it  was  overfpread  with  darknefs. 
Here  I  met  our  friend  Thomas  Gawthrop, 
who  was  upon  his  third  vifit  to  friends  in 
America;  we  both  fat  the  whole  meeting 
in  filence. 

The 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        397 

The  meetings  following,  both  for  wor- 
fhip  aitd  difcipllne,  were  held  at  Newport, 
and  continued  till  fecond  day  was  over. 
The  public  meetings  were  exceeding  ^arge, 
both  friends,  and  abundance  of  other  people 
attended  moft  of  them ;  it  was  fuppofed  there 
were  2000  people.  To  thefe  great  aflemblies 
it  pleafed  the  gracious  fountain  of  all  good, 
to  open  much  gofpel  do6trine  in  the  de- 
monftration  of  the  fpirit  and  with  power, 
which  appeared  to  be  generally  well  re- 
ceived, and  was  to  the  great  comfort  and 
relief  of  thofe  engaged  therein ;  but  the 
meetings  of  minifiers  and  elders,  and  thofe 
for  difcipline,  were  for  the  moil:  part  very 
heavy  and  diftreffing ;  great  w^eaknefs  and 
want  of  living  concern,  were  painfully  felt 
therein;  little  of  that  divine  wifdom  which 
alone  can  build  the  houfe,  was  attended  to, 
and  formality  prevailed.  Ability  was  gra- 
cioufly  afforded  to  ufe  plainnefs  of  fpeech, 
endeavouring  to  make  them  fenfible  of  the 
lofs  they  had  fuftained,  by  forfaking  the 
fountain  of  living  waters,  and  hewing  to 
themfelves  cifterns,  broken  cifterns,  that 
would  hold  no  water;  yet  we  found  a  few 
fincere  labourers  amongfl  them,  whofe  hands 
I  hope  were  in  fome  degree  ftrengthened ; 
but  things  in  general  werq  very  low.  On 
third  day  we  had  a  large  fatisfa£lory  meeting 
on  Connanicut  Ifland,  to  which  many 
from  Newport  went;  and  next  day  we  had 
a  very  large  meeting  at  Newport,   which 

was 


398        The    JOURNAL    of 

was  the  laft  we  had  there.  In  this  meeting 
wifdoin  and  utterance  were  given  to  declare 
the  truth  to  their  feveral  (tates,  in  much 
pl^in-dealing,  endeavouring  to  fhew  them 
from  whence  they  had  fallen,  and  how  vain 
it  was  for  them  to  imagine  they  were  God's 
people  in  the  ftate  moll  of  them  were  then 
in:  there  was  alfo  encouragement  to  the 
few  fincere-hearted.  On  fifth  day  we  had 
a  very  large  meeting  at  Portfmouth^  to 
which  came  great  numbers  from  Newport^ 
It  was  a  time  of  great  darknefs  and  deep 
fufFering  with  the  opprefTed  feed :  the  young 
people  are  moflly  gone  into  the  air,  and 
undue  liberties ;  and  thofe  more  advanced 
(a  few  excepted)  are  gone  into  the  earth ; 
having  fo  much  to  do  in  government  affairs, 
many  of  them  got  into  the  ofEces,  friendfliips, 
and  parties,  as  well  as  into  the  profits  of 
this  world.  Next  day  we  went  off  the 
ifland,  and  had  meetings  in  our  way  to 
Nantucket  yearly-meeting,  at  Tiverton, 
Little-Compton,  and  Accoakefet.  The  two 
lafl  were  very  large,  efpecially  Accoakefet ;  the 
gofpel  was  largely  and  with  good  authority 
declared  in  them  to  much  fatisfaftion  and 
comfort,  there  being  confiderable  opennefs, 
many  of  other  perfuafions  attending.  On 
fecond  day,  being  their  monthly-meeting 
at  Aponiganfet,  and  notice  having  been  given 
before  of  our  intention  of  being  at  it,  it 
was  exceeding  large,  even  like  a  great  yearly- 
meeting;    it  was  fuppofed  there  were  zoqq 

people 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        399 

people  prefent.  In  this  large  aflembly  the 
everl ailing  gofpel  was  preached  in  the  de- 
monftration  of  the  fpirit,  and  with  power ; 
wifdom  being  mercifully  given  to  divide 
the  word  fuitably  to  the  various  ftates :  the 
meeting  appeared  to  be  generally  afFedled, 
and  the  minds  of  thofe  engaged  greatly  re- 
lieved. Early  next  morning  we  embarked 
for  Nantucket,  in  company  with  about 
twenty  friends,  and  landed  on  the  faid  ifland 
about  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the 
fame  day.  On  fixth  day  the  yearly-meeting 
began,  and  was  very  large:  a  becoming 
plainnefs  appeared  in  the  general ;  but,  alas ! 
the  life  of  religion  was  very  much  departed 
from  by  numbers  in  that  once  truly  amiable 
place,  fo  much  noted  for  a  family  of  love. 
I  went  on  the  ifland  as  a  ftranger  to  their 
prefent  flate,  though  I  had  been  there  twice 
before,  a  witnefs  of  better  times:  much 
diflreffing  anguifli  was  felt  in  this  meeting, 
and  for  fome  time  I  expe(5led  the  current 
of  life  would  have  been  wholly  obftrucSed; 
but  at  length,  through  divine  mercy,  truth 
arofe  with  gofpel  authority,  fetting  forth 
what  a  great  and  wonderful  manifeftation 
of  evangelical  light  and  truth  fprung  up  in 
the  laft  century  after  a  dark  night  of 
apoftafy  and  error;  when  the  heavenly 
power  being  embraced,  brought  forth  the 
nature  and  fpirit  of  religion;  but  endea- 
vours now  are  too  often  ufed  to  fupport  the 
fame  principles  in  a  formal  way,    by  the 

ftrength 


400        The    JOURNAL    of 

ftrengtli  and  wifdom  of  man;  the  Lord 
therefore  will  not  own  a  people  in  that  flate. 
Many  things  were  delivered  upon  this  fub- 
jecl  with  great  dread,  and  I  felt  the  Lord's 
power  go  forth  as  a  fire  amongft  the  briars 
and  thorns ;  many  were  ftruck  with  fadnefs 
and  fear,  and  the  everlafting  name  was 
exalted:  Thomas  Gawthrop  was  there 
alfo,  and  had  good  fervice.  The  meeting 
ended  on  fecond-day,  much  gofpel  labour 
having  been  beftowed  in  the  feveral  fittings 
thereof.  Notwithftanding  the  general  ftate 
of  friends  on  that  ifland  appeared  truly 
deplorable,  yet  I  believe  a  remnant  are  and 
will  be  preferved  frefh  and  lively  in  religion. 
May  their  number  increafe ! 

We  left  the  ifland  on  third-day,  the  ift  of 
the  yth  month,  and  landed  that  «?yening 
at  SeconneiTet,  on  the  continent,  Vbeing 
about  fifty  in  number.  We  had  a  fmall 
meeting  on  fifth-day,  at  a  meeting-houfe 
near  the  place  of  our  landing,  and  went 
forward  to  be  at  Sandwich  quarterly- meet- 
ing. On  fixth-day  we  went  to  their 
monthly- meeting,  where  was  a  burial  of  a 
friend  that  died  fuddenly.  There  were 
many  Prefbyterians  prefent:  the  gofpel 
power  arofe  with  confiderable  ftrength  and 
clearnefs,  with  the  words  of  the  apoflle: 
**  Give  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and 
*'  eleftion  fure ;"  with  remarks  on  the 
great  importance  of  the  work,  how  necef- 
fary  to  be  alTured  of  its  going  forward,  and 

that 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        401 

that  a  certainty  thereof  may  be  obtained, 
by  the  fpirit  of  God  bearing  witnefs  with 
our  fpirit,  according  to  the  apoftolic  tefti- 
mony.  This  exhortation  contradiifbs  the 
dark  opinion  of  abfoKite  and  unconditional 
ele(5lion  and  reprobation;  feeing  this  preffing 
advice  to  make  it  fure,  imphes  fomething 
to  be  done  on  man's  part,  which .  may  be 
omitted,  and  he  thereby  may  mifs  the  elec- 
tion of  God's  grace;  whereas,  according  to 
that,  the  elecflion  is  made  fo  certain,  even 
from  the  foiijidation  of  the  world,  by  an 
immutable  decree,  that  all  man's  endeavours 
will  make  no  alteration,  feeing  one  cannot 
poiTibly  be  added  to  the  number  of  the 
eledl,  nor  one  diminifhed:  the  great  ab- 
furdity  of  this  dodlrine  was  expofed,  fhew- 
iag  how  it  reflected  much  diilionour  on  in- 
finite mercy  and  goodnefs ;  and  fome  of  their 
ftrongeft  arguments  in  favour  of  that  doc- 
trine were  anfwered. 

I  was  alfo  opened  upon  infant-baptifm^ 
fo  called,  fetting  forth  how  unreafonable  it 
is  to  uphold  types,  figns,  and  fliadows,  un- 
lefs  we  expe6l  another  and  higher  dif- 
penfation:  that  types  always  pointed  to  the 
anti-type  or  fubftance,  and  feeing  mod  ac- 
knowledge the  fubftance  is  come,  how  weak 
to  keep  up  the  fign.  It  was  a  good  time, 
for  truth  was  exalted  and  the  meeting  pretty 
generally  affefted ;  and  although  thefe  dif- 
putable  points  were  clofely  handled,  yet 
tb^re  was  no  oppofirion,    nor  the  leail  dif- 

guft 


402        The    JOURNAL    of 

guft  appeared.  On  feventh-day  the  quar- 
terly-meeting was  held,  in  which  we  had 
foine,  I  hope  profitable  fervice,  in  a  clofe, 
fearching  way;  things  appeared  very  low, 
yet  there  were  fome  fincere,  honeft  labour- 
ers. We  went  after  meeting  about  twenty 
miles  to  Plymouth,  where  it  is  faid  the 
iirll  colony  of  Englifli  landed  and  fettled. 
The  next  day,  being  the  firft  of  the  week, 
we  went  to  Pembroke  meeting,  which  was 
but  fmall  of  friends,  but  a  pretty  many  of 
other  focieties  came  in,  cc»iifidering  the 
fhort  notice ;  the  truths  of  the  gofpel  were 
largely  delivered  amongft  them,  which 
feemed  to  be  well  and  kindly  received.  We 
fet  out  after  meeting,  intending  to  pafs 
through  Bofton,  and  as  far  to  theeaftward 
as  we  propofed  to  vifit  friends,  leaving  no- 
tice as  we  went,  at  the  feveral  meetings,  to 
take  ythem  in  our  return.  We  had  very 
large  meetings  at  Cachechy,  and  Dover; 
and  although  we  found  but  little  living 
concern  amongft  friends,  yet  the  blefTed 
truth  favoured  and  opened  the  way  for  much 
gofpel  labour  fuited  to  their  ftates,  in  order 
to  revive  ancient  zeal  and  ardour.  The  wea- 
ther was  extremely  hot  and  the  meetings 
crouded,  fo  that  at  times  it  feemed  as  if  I 
Ihouid  have  been  overcome,  and  faint;  but 
by  divine  favour,  I  was  mercifully  carried 
through,  to  a  confiderable  degree  of  fatis- 
fadllon  and  peace.  We  returned  to  their 
quarterly-meeting  at  Hampton,  which  be- 
gan 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        40I; 

gan  for  minlfters  and  elders,  on  feventh- 
day,  third  hour,  the  12th  of  the  7th  month; 
we  were  forrowfully  affecfled  to  find  fo  little 
of  a  living  concern  amongft  the  leaders  of 
the  people;  Next  day,  being  the  firft  of 
the  week,  we  had  two  large  meetings,  com- 
pofed  of  friends  and  others :  a  religious  la- 
bour for  heavenly  bread  feemed  almoft  loft, 
even  amongft  thofe  advanced  in  age  and  pro- 
feflion  of  the  truth ;  yet  in  marvellous  con- 
defcenfion,  the  gofpel  power  and  life  fprung 
up  and  extended  to  their  various  ftates,  with 
great  ftrength  and  clearnefs,  even  as  a  flame 
of  fire  againft  the  wood,  hay,  and  ftubble; 
Ihewing,  what  a  great  and  glorious  thing 
Chriftianity  is;  how  complete  victory  and 
dominion  may  be  obtained  by  it  over  fin; 
and  the  foul  of  man  be  endued  with  fublime 
virtues :  but  to  view  the  notion  of  Chrifti- 
anity people  in  general  appear  now  to  be 
contented  with,  it  would  feem  as  if  little 
real  religion  remained  on  the  earth.  In  the 
afternoon  I  was  led  to  fet  forth,  that  there 
is  one  body,  one  Ipirit,  one  Lord,  one  faith, 
and  one  baptifm ;  that  by  this  only  people 
come  to  be  truly  initiated,  being  buried  with 
Chrift  by  his  faving  baptifm  into  his  death; 
and  thereby  wltnefling  with  the  apoftle,  the 
meafure  of  the  fufferings  of  Chrift  which 
are  yet  behind^  fulfilled  in  us ;  if  fo  be  that 
we  fuifer  with  him,^-  that  we  alfo  may  be 
glorified  together:  t'he  deep  myftery  of 
man's  redemption  through  Chrift,  was 
F  f  f  largely 


404         r^^^    JOURNAL    of 

largely  opened^  it  being  a  time  of  great  fa*- 
your,  and  the  people  were  generally  afFedled. 
Next  day  forenoon  was  held  their  meeting 
of  bufinefs;  but  as  the  power  of  truth,  the- 
main  fpring  of  action  in  the  weighty  affairs 
of  the  church,  appeared  to  me  Ibrrowfully 
wanting,  little  could  be  done  to  good  pur- 
pofe;  fome  clofe  remarks  were  made  upon 
the  declining  date  of  that  meeting,  whereii> 
we  had  very  little  comfort  or  fatisfadlion. 
In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  very  large  con- 
cluding meeting,  wherein  Chrift  was  freely 
fet  forth  as  the  true  light,  that  enlightens 
every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world; 
that  as  the  light  of  the  outward  fun  is  necef- 
fary  for  tranfacling  the  affairs  of  this  life, 
fo  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  is  no 
lefs  neceffary  to  fliew  us  how  to  perform 
the  great  work  of  our  foul's  falvation :  it 
was  a  good  time.  We  then  had  meetings 
at  Aimfbury,  Newbury,  Salem,  Lynn,  and 
Bofton.  Ak  Lynn  in  the  afternoon,  being 
firft-day,  I  found  it  my  place  to  fet  an  ex- 
ample of  filence;  at  the  other  meetings  I 
was  largely  opened  in  the  fervice  of  the 
gofpel,  to  good  fatisfadion  and  comfort. 
From  Bofton  we  travelled  to  Dighton,  and 
dined  on  the  way  at  Taunton.  Our  guide 
being  acquainted  with  a  fliop-keeper  in  that 
town,  we  were  invited  to  dine  wdth  him: 
after  dinner  we  entered  upon  much  rcafon- 
ing  about  religious  principles,  and  a  clofe 
difpute  enfued.     I  was,  through  divine  af- 

fiftance^ 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        405 

fiftance,  enabled  to  Hand  my  ground  there- 
in, and  to  maintain  our  principles,  to  the 
comfort  and  fatisfad:ion  of  my  own  mind, 
and  I  believe  in  a  good  degree  to  his ;  who 
I  unfterftood  had  been  accounted  a  very  zea- 
lous Prelbyterian,  and  had  entertained  an 
unfavourable  opinion  of  our  principles :  he 
confeffed  they  never  had  been  cleared  up  fo 
much  to  his  fatisfadlion  before,  and  feerned  to 
be  a  good  deal  affe<?ted ;  we  parted  in  love 
and  friendftiip.  We  then  had  meetings  at 
Free- town,  Long-plain,  Rochefter,  and 
Akufhnet;  in  thefe  we  found  things  very 
low  and  languid,  as  appeared  generally  the 
cafe  in  New-England;  our  ibciety,  like 
others,  having  too  much  dwindled  into  form 
aind  profeflion.  The  laft  meeting  was  very 
large,  but  my  way  was  quite  fhut  up  as  to 
miniftryj  had  in  the  others  clofe  fearching 
fervice.  On  firft-day,  the  27th  of  the  7th 
month,  we  had  a  very  large  meeting  at 
Swanzey,  to  which  came  friends  from  many 
pafts,  fome  even  from  Newport;  the  power 
of  the  everlafting  gofpel  arofe  in  this  large 
aflTembly ;  wifdom  and  utterance  were  given 
to  declare  the  truth  very  largely,  from  thefe 
words,  *'  To  know  thee  the  only  true  God,^ 
*'  and  Jefus  Chrift  whom  thou  haft  fent,  is 
*'  life  eternal."  The  meeting  was  much 
affedled;  the  Lord's  heart-melting  goodneis 
was  fweetly  enjoyed  by  a  remnant.  Next 
day  we  had  a  large  meeting  at  Smithfield  ; 
the  nature  of  true  reli^^ion,  from  the  apof- 

tie 


4o6        The    JOURNAL    of 

tie  James's  definition  of  it,  was  copioufly 
treated  of  in  this  meeting :  it  was  a  favoured 
time,  and  the  meeting  was  generally  af- 
fedled.  On  third-day  we  had  a  meeting  at 
Wainfoket,  great  numbers  of  loofe,  liber- 
tine people  came,  who,  I  fuppofe,  rarely 
attended  any  place  of  worlhip;  fuch  came 
rather  out  of  curiofity,  expedling  fome- 
thing;  and  indeed  thole,  for  the  moft  part, 
who  profefs  with  us  there,  feem  as  if  they 
knew  little  of  the  nature  and  importance 
of  religious  worfhip ;  but  it  was  my  duty 
in  this  large  meeting,  to  fit  in  filence. 
Next  day  we  had  a  very  large  meeting  at 
Mendam,  to  which  came  many  of  our  pro- 
feflion,  and  a  great  number  of  fuch  as  be- 
ing diflatisfied  with  the  eflablifhed  worfhip, 
and  an  hireling  miniftry,  had  feparated  and 
held  meetings  in  one  another's  houfes,  hav- 
ing fuch  as  thought  it  their  duty  to  preach 
freely  amongft  them:  to  this  meeting  the 
gofpel  was  largely  preached,  which  Teemed 
to  have  ia.  general  reach.  After  meeting  came 
a  predeflinarian,  and  a  young  man,  a  preach- 
er among  thofe  "  feparatills  t>efore-men- 
tioned,  who  are  quite  averfe  to  that  dark 
opinion:  thefe  two,  it  feems,  had  been  en- 
gaged *  in  a  difpute  in  the  meeting-houie 
^vhen'  all  were  gone,  upon  fomc  points  of 
doctrine  delivered  that  day  concerning  ori- 
ginal fin  and  the  opinion  before- mention- 
ed; and  as  they  could  not  fettle  the  points, 
at  length  they  agreed  to  come  to  my  quar- 
ters, 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.       407 

ters,  to  alk  me  a  few  fbber  qiicfllons,  by 
way  of  further  explanation  of  fome  things 
delivered.  When  they  informed  me  of  the 
reafon  of  their  coming,  I  told  them  I  was 
very  willing  to  aiford  them  all  the  fatisfac- 
tion  In  my  power,  but  was  not  very  fond 
of  difputes,  which  feldom  tended  much  to 
edification  as  they  were  generally  managed. 
The  old  man  fignified  he  had  no  intention  of 
entering  into  any  difputes ;  however,  one 
thing  brought  on  anothei:,  till  we  got  very 
clofely  engaged :  the  young  mxan,  the  preach- 
er, was  on  my  fide,  and,  I  think,  had  as 
remarkable  a  memory  in  the  fcriptures  as  I 
ever  knew,  and  was  favoured  with  a  confi- 
derable  underflanding  in  the  myftery  of 
them.  The  poor  old  man,  though  I  fup- 
pofe  as  well  furnifhed  as  moft  upon  fuch 
a  bad  fubjecft,  was  entirely  vanquiflied  and 
confounded  to  that  degree,  that  his  fpirits 
appeared  to  be  iiink  with  forrow,  becaufe 
he  could  not  fupport  his  principles  better. 
The  young  man  and  I,  with  other  friends, 
withdrew  into  another  room,  and  had  a 
religious  conference,  particularly  upon  the 
nature  of  gofpel-miniftry  and  worlliip;  he 
appeared  to  be  much  enlightened  and  not 
fsir  from  the  kingdom;  but  I  fear  he  had 
entered  into  the  miniftry  too  fbon.  This 
opportunity  afforded  my  mind  a  good  deal 
of  fatisfadion.  I  found  many  of  thofe  high 
profefTors  in  New-England,  in  rather  an 
unfettled    ftate,    fond    of    flocking   to   our 

meetings, 


4o8        The    JOURNAL    oi 

meetings,  and  they  feemed  to  hear  the  doc- 
trinef  of  truth  with  fatisfacflion,  and  there 
was  great  opennefs  amongft  them  in  many 
places.  But  what  forrowfully  afFedled  my 
mind  was,  that  there  is  fo  Uttle  of  the  life 
of  religion  held  up  as  a  ftandard  to  thofe, 
by  our  fociety  in  thofe  parts ;  yet  I  believe 
there  will  be  a  gathering  to  Shiloh,  in  the 
New-England  colonies.  The  difference  ap- 
pears very  great  in  their  efteem  and  regard 
to  our  friends,  to  what  it  was  formerly, 
though  perhaps  that  in  part  may  be  owing 
to  many  in  our  fociety  being  more  like 
them,  than  our  friends  were  in  early. times; 
yet  I  believe  the  cafe  is  otherwife  with 
many,  and  that  it  arifes  from  their  good 
opinion  of  moft  of  our  principles. 

On  fifth-day,  the  31ft  of  the  7th  month, 
we  fet  out,  accompanied  by  two  guides, 
through  the  back  parts  of  Connecticut,  to- 
wards the  Oblong  in  the  government  of  New- 
York,  being  about  140  miles  through  a 
Prefbyterian  country ;  they  generally  carried 
themfelves  civilly,  and  we  had  fome  religious 
conferences  to  good  fatisfadlion.  The  wea- 
ther was  very  hot,  and  the  roads  ftony,  rough 
and  mountainous,  and  the  entertainment 
but  mean  in  many  places,  fo  that  the  jour- 
ney was  attended  with  fatigue  to  our  bodies 
and  horfes.  We  went  to  New-Milford 
meeting  on  firft-day,  the  3d  of  the  8th 
month ;  I  had  nothing  to  offer  by  way  of 
miniftry,    yet  in  Hill  quiet  waiting,  I  was 

favoured^ 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        409 

favoured   therein  with  the  flrft  clear  fatis- 
facftory  glance  of  my  being  at  liberty,  to- 
wards the  latter  end  of  this  year,  to  return 
home,    which  I  fully  believed,    but  kept  it 
to  myfelf.     After  meeting  we  afcended  to 
the  Oblong,    and  a  long  afcent  it  was,  of 
near   a   mile  to   the   fummit   of   that  cal- 
led  Quaker-Hill;    the    weather   being   ex- 
tremely hot,    I  feared  it  would  have  killed 
my  horfe,  and  I  was  not  able  to  relieve  him 
by  walking.     On  third-day  we  had  a  very 
large  meeting  at  a  commodious  houfe  built 
by  friends  on  that  hill ;    they  who  attend- 
ed were  generally  profelTors   of   the   truth 
as  held  by  us,  and  moftly  plain  and  becom- 
ing in  their  outward  garb ;  yet,  alas!  when 
they  came  to  be  viewed  in  the  true  light, 
they  appeared  dry  and  formal ;  many,  I  fear, 
having    clothed    corrupted    nature    with  a 
form  of  religion,  and  in  a  plain  drefs  fit  in 
their  religious   meetings  like  dead  images. 
After    a   time  of   deep    fuffering    in   fpirit 
with  the  opprefled  feed,  the  word  was  given 
with  good  authority,    and  went  forth  like 
a  flame  of  fire,  againft  the  wood,  hay,  and 
ftubble,  to  the  roufing,  I  believe,  and  awa- 
kening of  many  for  the  prefent.     The  con- 
dition of  man   in  the  tranfgreffion  as  fet 
forth  by  the  infpired  writers,  that  he  is  in 
a  ftate  of  enmity  to,    and  feparation  from 
God,    confequently,    he  muft  experience  a 
very  great  change,  before  he  can  be  accept- 
able ca  his  Maker:    the  way  was  opened, 

jliewing 


4io        The    JOURNAL    or 

fhewing  how  this  change  v/as  to  be  eS'cAcd^ 
and  that  the  operation  necelTary  thereunto, 
makes  indelible  imprelTions  on  the  minds 
of  all  who  are  fo  happy  as  to  experience 
the  fan^e,  that  none  can  be  true  Chriftians 
without  it :  truth  had  great  dominion  that 
day.  We  had  a  very  large  meeting  next  day 
at  the  Nine  Partners,  and  had  clofe  fervice 
therein.  Next  day  we  had  a  very  painful 
afflidling  meeting  at  Ofwego ;  I  was  quite  a 
llranger  to  them,  and  did  not  know  by  any 
outward  information,  that  they  had  any  one 
who  iifually  appeared  in  public  among 
them;  yet  my  mind  was  ftrongly  imprelTed 
with  a  feniQ^  that  the  meeting  Iiad  been 
nivich  hurt  by  a  wrong  miniftry,  and  for 
that  reafon  chiefly,  my  mouth  was  Ihut  up 
there  in  that  refpecfl:  it  feemed  as  if  the 
very  perfon  was  ihewn  to  me  in  the  meet- 
ing, though  I  had  never  feen  him  before 
that  I  know  of;  but  I  found  afterwards,  it 
was  a  true  fenfe,  and  I  told  friends  in  his 
hearing,  how  things  appeared  to  me  in  that 
meeting,  which  feemed  to  ftrike  him,  and 
he  draggled  a  little,  but  I  left  it  upon  him: 
may  the  great  and  gracious  helper  of  hi$ 
neople,  have  the  praife  of  his  own  works, 
faith  my  foul,  now  and  for  evermore!  On 
firft-day,  the  loth  of  the  8th  month,  we 
were  at  the  Oblong  meeting  again ;  my 
travail  the  whole  meeting  was  in  fuffering 
filence.  From  hence,  in  our  way  to  New- 
Yorkj  we  had  the  following  meetings,  viz. 

Peach- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        411 

Peach-Pond,  North-Caflle,  the  monthly- 
meeting  at  the  Purchafe,  Momarineck,  and 
WefL-Chefter;  at  moft  of  which,  the  gof- 
pel  power  was  largely  manifeited,  by  open- 
ing dodlrine  and  counfel,  in  a  clofe,  fearch- 
ing  manner,  to  the  various  dates  of  the 
people.  On  firfl-day,  the  17th  of  the  8th 
mionth,  we  were  at  two  meetings  in  the 
city  of  New-York;  in  the  morning  I  was 
filent;  in  the  afternoon,  truth  opened  the 
way  to  public  fervice,  fhewing  the  beau- 
tiful order  and  economy  of  human  life; 
all  feeking  for  fome  manlion,  poffeiiion,  or 
fettlement,  and  agreeable  to  the  laws  of  pru- 
dence and  juftice,  endeavouring  to  increafe 
their  ftore,  that  they  may  have  fomething 
of  their  own  againft  the  time  of  need:  if 
prudence  requires  to  provide  the  necefTaries 
for  this  fiiort  and  uncertain  life,  how  much 
more  incumbent  is  it  upon  us,  in  regard 
to  the  immortal  part:  and  that  our  eyes 
fhould  be  turned  to  view  the  order,  har- 
mony, and  beauty  of  the  new  creation,  and 
to  feek  an  inheritance  in  the  holy  city  ? 
It  was  a  blefTed  time,  and  many  hearts  were 
tendered.  I  had  a  good  deal  of  fktisfacffcion 
among  friends  in  that  city,  and  hope  there 
is  a  growth  in  the  bed  things  experierKed 
by  divers.  On  fecond-day  we  crojQTed  the 
Bay,  and  Staten-Iiland ;  ferried  from  thence 
at  Elizabeth-tov/n  Point,  and  v^rent  to 
Rahway.  On  third  and  fourth-day  we  w^ent 
to  the  quarterly  and  monthly-meetings  at 
AVoodbridge ;  was  enabled  to  labour  largely 
G  g  g  in 


412        The    JOURNAL    of 

in  a  fearching  way,  with  much  plainnefs 
and  gofpel  authority,  for  their  help  and 
recovery  from  a  weak,  languid,  uncon- 
cerned ftate ;  yet  we  found  fome  folid,  valu- 
able friends  amongft  them.  From  thence 
we  proceeded  on  our  way  to  my  compani- 
on's houfe  in  Pennfylvania,  and  had  large 
meetings  at  Plainfield  and  Kingwood, 
wherein  the  gofpel  was  preached  with  great 
opennefs,  to  good  fatisfaftion.  On  feventh- 
day  evening,  the  23d  of  the  8th  month, 
having  crolTed  Delaware  at  Howell's-Ferry, 
we  got  to  my  companion's  houfe,  and  at- 
tended two  meetings  at  Wright's-Town, 
where  he  belongs ;  the  next  day  there  was 
a  eonfiderable  number  of  profeffors,  but 
fpiritual  idlenefs  was  felt  forrowfully  to 
have  prevailed  over  too  many,  craving  to 
be  fed  with  w^ords ;  I  found  it  my  duty  to 
be  lilent  at  both  the  meetings.  Having 
taken  a  very  great  cold  after  fome  of  the  late 
large  and  hot  meetings,  I  w^as  much  indif- 
pofed,  and  ftaid  at  my  companion's  till  fifth- 
day,  and  then  w^nt  to  the  quarterlyrmeet- 
ing  for  the  county  of  Bucks,  held  at  the 
Falls,  which  was  exceeding  large:  truth 
greatly  favoured  that  meeting,  in  opening 
dodtrine  and  counfel,  for  the  help,  reproof, 
and  encouragement  of  many,  beginning 
with  thefe  words,  //  is  efpecially  ijuorthy  to 
he  noted^  that  the  infpired  %vnters^  both  in 
relating  their  oivn  experience^  and  in  ad^ 
minijiering  advice  and  counfel  to  others^ 
on  a  religious   account^    lay  the  ivhole  Jlrefs 

of 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        413 

of   religion  upon   the   inivard^    faving^    and 
fpiritiial  knoiv ledge  of  God:    it  was   k  great 
time,  and  many  hearts  were  tendered.     The 
youth's  meeting  was  held  next  day  at  Brif- 
tol ;    it  was  a  low,    poor  time,    and  I  had 
nothing  to  offer  by  way  of  miniftry.    -On 
firft-day,    the   31ft    ot    the    8th   month,    I 
went  to  Makefield  meeting,  it  was  an  exer- 
cifing  time;    a  carelefs,    earthly  fpirit  was 
felt  to  be  very  prevalent ;    I  had  fome  fer- 
vice  there,  in   a  very  clofe,  fearching  man- 
ner.     In   the  afternoon  I  had  a  very  large 
meeting  at  John  Beaumont's,  wherein  much 
gofpel  dodrine   flowed  to  the  people,  upon 
the   nature  of  felf-denial   and  bearing   the 
yoke  of  Chrift ;   many,  not  of  our  ibciety, 
were  prefent  and  pretty  much  affected;  it 
was   a  favoured  time.     Next  day  I  went  to 
Buckingham  monthly-meeting,    which  was 
very    large,    a    nvimerous  body   of   friends 
living  in  thofe  parts ;    I  had  great  opennefs 
for   public    fervice  therein,    ihewing,     that 
the  promifes   of  God  in  him,  are  yea  and 
amen  for  ever ;    yet  we  are  not  entitled  to 
them  but  upon  certain  conditions,  that  is,^ 
being  in  thofe  ftates  to  which  they  are  ap- 
plied.    It  was  a  great  and  good  time,  truth 
being  exalted.     On  third-day  I  had  a  large 
fleeting  at  Plumftead,  many  attending  from 
Buckingham  and  other  places.     The  word 
was  given  with  authority  and  clearnefs,  to 
declare   to   this  numerous    auditory,    upon 
the  nature   of   true  religion   and  worfliip, 
iUewing,    that  it  principally  confided  in  aa 

inward 


414        The    JOURNAL    of 

inward  exercife  of  the  foul  towards  God, 
and  efpecially  depended  on  a  Ipiritual  ac- 
quaintance with  him ;  it  was  a  highly  fa- 
voured time,  and  many  hearts  were  tender- 
ed. For  ibme  time  paft  I  had  been  indif^ 
pofed,  being,  through  the  extremity  of  the 
heat,  much  afflidlcd  with  a  ralh,  called  the 
prickly  heat ;  and  having  taken  a  great  cold, 
my  afthmatic  diforder  was  much  increafed ; 
yet,  through  merciful  help  iupporting  foul 
and  body  in  the  great  work  to  v^hich  I  was 
called,  I  was  enabled  to  proceed  on  my 
j-ourney,  having  a  ftrong  defire  to  vilit  fome 
meetings  in  the  back  parts  of  Bucks,  Phi- 
ladelphia, and  Cheftcr  counties,  before  the 
approaching  yearly- meeting  for  Pennfylvania 
and  the  Jerfeys,  to  be  held  in  Philadelphia 
towards  the  latter  end  of  the  9th  month: 
apprehending  if  I  could  accomplilh  that, 
I  fliould  have  little  to  do  after,  except  on  the 
eaftern  fliore  of  Maryland  and  in  the  lower 
counties  upon  Delaware.  Here  my  valu- 
able friend  Zebulon  Hefton,  joined  me  for 
a  companion  to  the  back  parts.  We  tra- 
velled next  day  to  Richland,  and  the  day 
following  had  a  large  meeting  there,  moftly 
confiRirg  of  thofe  under  our  name:  great 
lukcwarmnefs  and  want'  of,  a  living  con- 
cern was  felt ;  yet  it  pleafed  divine  gocd- 
nefs  to  favour  v/ith  ability  to  labour  in  the 
gofpel  v/ith  plainnefs,  in  a  very  awakening 
manner,  which  feemed  to  have  ibme  ten- 
dering cfFecl  in  the  general,  at  Jeafl  for  the 
prefent.     We  travelled  next  day  to   Oley, 

aliHs 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        415 

alias  Exeter^  and  went  to  their  meeting  on 
iirll-day,  the  7th  of  the  9th  month ;  they 
appeared  to  me  moftly  ignorant  of  the  im- 
portance of  that  worfliip  and  fervice  which 
they  pretended  to  meet  about,  and  as  if  the 
chief  waiting  was  to  hear  what  the  poor 
fervants  had  to  fay :  they  w^ere  difappointed 
in  refpe(5l  to  me,  finding  it  my  place 
to  fit  the  whole  meeting  in  filence.  We  after- 
wards went  toMaiden-Creek,  and  had  a  large 
meeting  there  the  next  day.  I  believe  there 
were  fome  valuable  friends,  but  many  ap- 
peared in  a  ftate  of  indolence  as  to  reli- 
gion, looking  for  words ;  there  was  a  con- 
fiderable  fpace  of  filence;  at  length,  truth 
arofe  and  obtained  dominion,  and  the  gof- 
pel  was  freely  preached;  Ihewing  the  na-- 
ture  of  the  work  of  man's  falvation  by 
Chrift,  and  the  great  danger  of  a  negleft- 
thereof.  On  third- day  we  had  a  meeting 
in  Reading  Court-Houfe,  to  which  many 
came,  not  of  our  fociety,  being  moftly  Ger- 
mans, who  behaved  in  a  folid,  becoming 
manner;  the  word  of  the  gofpel  was  given, 
and  ability  to  declare  it  w  ith  good  autho- 
rity and  clearnefs  for  a  confiderable  time, 
to  the  tendering  of  many  hearts.  Next 
day  we  crofled  Schuylkill,  and  had  meetings 
at  the  Foreft,  Nantmill,  Providence,  and 
Pikeland,  in  all  which,  ability  was  given 
to  labour  in  the  gofpel,  for  the  ftirring  up 
profeffors  to  a  more  lively  fenfe  of  religion, 
which  indeed  was  felt  to  be  at  a  low  ebb 
amojagft  them,   as  iu  many  othex*  places; 

fuch 


4i6        The    JOURNAL    of 

fvich  caufes  there  are  of  mournful  com- 
plaints, where  people  go  no  deeper  into  reli- 
gion than  what  comes  by  education  or  out- 
ward conformity:  many  in  thefe  parts  have 
entered  into  the  outward  poiTeffions  and 
profeffion  of  their  worthy  ancefliors,  at  a 
very  eafy  rate;  yet  the  Lord,  in  great  mercy, 
is  caviling  his  trumpets  to  found  very  loud, 
to  awaken  fuch  to  a  fenfe  of  the^r  danger. 
On  firft-day,  the  14th  of  the  9th  month, 
we  went  to  Uwchlan,  which  was  a  very 
large  meeting  of  itfelf,  and  friends  came  to 
it  from  moft  of  the  adjacent  meecings;  the 
fore  part  was  a  time  of  deep  travail  and 
{ilent  labour,  in  a  painful  fenle  that  many 
prefent  were  at  eafe  in  a  bare  profeffion  of 
the  truth;  at  length  the  worcl  was  given 
with  confiderable  weight  and  gofpel  autho- 
rity, {hewing  what  a  powerful  efficacious 
thing  Chriftianity  was,  when  it  made  its 
firfl  entrance  into  the  world,  and  fo  con- 
tinued for  a  confiderable  time,  mightily 
prevaiUng  by  its  own  force  and  efficacy, 
againft  all  oppofition  and  worldly  intereft, 
until  the  world  fmiled  upon  its  profeffi^rs: 
it  then  fpread  as  to  the  name,  but  gradual- 
ly lofing  the  power  and  life,  many  difor- 
ders,  great  corruptions,  and  defolating  con- 
tentions about  trifles,  got  in.  Clole  ap- 
plication was  made  to  the  ftates  of  the 
inhabitants  of  this  highly  favoured  pro- 
vince, earnefUy  preffing  the  auditory  to 
feek  after  the  fubftance  of  religion.  The 
afternoon  meeting  wa§  folid  and  comfort- 
able 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        417 

able  in  filence.  On  third-day  we  had  a  large 
meeting  at  Eaft-Cahi,  in  which  I  had  tho- 
rough fervice,  to  good  fatisfadlion ;  and  next 
day  we  had  a  very  large  meeting  at  Brad- 
ford, in  the  Forks  of  Brandy-wine ;  things 
were  felt  to  be  much  out  of  order,  and  re- 
ligion to  be  at  a  very  low  ebb  amongft 
them,  yet,  through  infinite  condefcenfion, 
golpel  authority  was  given,  with  much 
clearnefs  in  doclrine,  fhewing,  that  in  order 
to  pofTefs  a  valuable  religion,  man  fliould  be 
feelingly  and  experimentally  convinced, 
that  in  matters  of  religion,  he  mufl  wholly 
refign  his  v^ill  to  God,  and  give  him- 
felf  up  to  be  guided  by  a  fupernatural  prin- 
ciple; until  then,  he  cannot  fay,  with  ac- 
ceptance to  his  Maker,  "  Thy  will  be  done 
*'  in  earth,  as  it  is  done  in  heaven."  It 
was,  through  divine  mercy,  a  highly-fa- 
voured baptizing  time,  and  the  blelTed  truth 
was  in  dominion  over  hard,  unmortified 
fpirits.  I  went  home  from  hence  with  my 
brother-in-law,  Micajah  Speakman,  to  Con- 
cord, where  I  refted  quietly  three  days, 
after  long  fatigue  of  travelling  and  hard 
labour ;  yet  all  was  made  eafy  through  the 
efficacy  of  that  heavenly  power  which  mer- 
cifully attended  from  place  to  place,  filling 
my  foul,  at  times,  with  true  contentment 
and  perfedl  refignation  to  the  Lord's  will, 
either  to  do  or  fuflfer;  in  which  happy  flate, 
my  peace  flowed  as  a  river,  On  firft-day, 
the  2 1  ft  of  the  9th  month,  I  went  to  Mid- 
dle-town meeting,  but  had  no  public  fer- 
vice 


4i8        The    JOURNAL    o? 

vice  therein.  I  went  on  fecond-day  to 
Philadelphia,  attended  their  week-day  meet- 
ing next  day,  and  on  fifth-day  I  v/ent  to 
Haddonfield,  in  Weft-Jerfey,  to  the  burial 
of  Thomas  Redman,  a  public  friend  in 
good  efteem,  who  formerly  told  me  he  was 
lirft  reached  or  convinced  through  my 
miniftry,  in  the  Bank-meeting  at  Philadel- 
phia, about  thirty  years  ago:  the  meeting 
was  very  large,  conlifting  both  of  friends 
and  thole  of  other  focieties,  a  prieit  and 
his  family  being  there;  the  truths  of  the 
gofpel  were  largely  declared,  with  clearnefs 
and  good  demonftration ;  the  auditory  being 
very  folid  and  attentive,  truth  had  good 
dominion  to  the  comfort  of  many.  In  the 
afternoon  was  held  their  quarterly- meeting 
of  minifters  and  elders ;  it  was  a  low  time. 
Next  day  was  held  their  quarterly-meeting, 
which  was  very  large;  there  feemed  to  be 
great  expedlations  and  looking  out  after 
words,  as  is  forrowfully  the  cafe  with  many 
in  thefe  parts,  efpecially  if  the  poor  inftru- 
ment  had  been  favoured  before,  and  it 
pleafed  them :  this  fometimes  tends  to  de- 
prive them  of  that  which  they  fo  anxioufly 
ieek  after,  which  I  believe  was  now  the 
cafe,  for  I  was  quite  fhut  up  as  to  public 
fervice,  but  had  fome  good  fervice  in  the 
meeting  of  bufinefs.  On  feventh-day,  the 
^yth  of  the  9th  month,  I  went  to  the  year- 
ly-meeting of  minifters  and  elders  at  Phi- 
ladelphia, for  Pennfylvanla  and  the  Jerfeys ; 
it   was    large,    I  had  fome  fervice  therein, 

and 


JOHN    G  RIF  FIT  H.      '419 

nnd  infoniied  fiiends  that  I  expedled  liber- 
ty to  return  home  that  Fall,  requejfting  a 
few  lines  by  way  of  certificate,  to  my 
friends  in  England,  according  to  the  good 
order  ufed  amongft  vis;  this  was  the  only 
one  I  requefted  on  the  continent  of  Ame- 
rica, yet  friends,  of  their  own  accord,  fent 
certificates  front  moft  or  all  the  parts  I 
•viiited.  A  certificate  ^vas  readily  granted^ 
and  figned  by  a  great  number  of  minifters 
and  elders,  teftifying  theit  unity  with  my 
gofpel  labours  and  condudl  while  among 
them.  I  diligently  attended  the  feveral 
fittings  of  this  yearly-meeting,  both  for 
worfhip  and  difcipline,  and  had  fome 
weighty  fervice  in  them.  On  firft-day, 
the  5th  of  the  loth  month,  1  went  to  Fair- 
hill  meeting,  and  returned  to  the  evening 
meeting  in  the  city.  On  third-day,  the 
7th  of  the  loth  month,  I  fet  out  in  order 
to  attend  the  yearly-meeting  on  the  eallern 
fliore  of  Maryland,  being  accompanied  by 
Samuel  Eaftburn;  we  had  meetings  in  our 
•way  at  George's-Creek,  and  the  head  of 
Saffafras ;  truth  made  way  for  clofe,  weigh- 
ty fervice,  to  the  ftates  of  thofe  prefent. 
We  went,  the  iith  of  the  loth  month,  to  a 
fmall  poor  meeting  for  minifters  and  el- 
ders, at  Cecil,  in  Maryland;  and  next  day 
being  the  firft  of  the  week,  the  yearly- 
meeting  began  there,  to  which  came  many 
people  of  divers  forts,  moft  of  whom  feem- 
ed  loofe,  and  void  of  a  foliJ,  religious  con- 
cern.    Death  and  darknefs  were  felt  to  r^lga 

H  h  h  aix 


420         The    JOURNAL    or 

in  tlie  general,  yet  the  gofpel  power,  iu 
great  mercy,  broke  through,  and  opened 
fuitable  dodrine  to  their  ftates,  Ihewing  the 
general  confent  of  all  ages  and  nations,  to 
that  of  the  immortality  of  the  foul  and 
tiuure  rewards  and  punifliments ;  and  al- 
though the  profeflbrs  of  Chriftianity  were 
favoured  with  more  clear  apprehenfions 
thereof,  than  others,  yet  numbers  of  them 
live  as  if  they  had  no  fuch  belief,  or,  as  if 
they  did  not  look  upon  themfelves  to  be  ac-? 
countable  creatures.  The  fucceeding  meet-^ 
ings,  both  for  worfhip  and  difcipline,  were^ 
I  hope,  through  divine  aififtance,  profitable 
to  many.  The  yearly-meeting  at  Chop- 
tank  began  on  feventh-day,  the  i8th  of 
the  I  oth  month,  and  ended  on  fourth-day 
afternoon ;  many  of  the  meetings  were 
very  large,  and  the  truths  of  the  gofpel 
povv'erfully  declared  in  them,  and  the  ever- 
lading  unchangeable  truth  was  exalted  over 
all  of  a  contrary  nature  to  itfelf :  this  year- 
ly-meeting afforded  great  relief  and  fatif- 
faftlon  to  my  mind.  Wc  fet  out  on  fifth- 
day,  in  order  to  attend  the  yearly-meeting 
to  be  held  at  Little-Creek,  in  Kent-Coun- 
ty, on  Delaware;  the  meeting  began  on 
iirft-day,  the  26th  of  i oth  month,  and  held 
two  days;  I  had  very  open  fervice  therein. 
After  this  meeting  I  found  myfelf  at  liberty 
to  feek  a  proper  opportunity  to  return  to 
my  native  latid  and  outward  habitation, 
and  io  went  f'^om  hence  directly  toward 
Pliil:V:!clpHa  ;    1  attended  their  monthly  and 

ciuartcfly- 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        421 

qviarterly-meetlng  there,  wherein  I  had 
good  open  fervice.  By  inqiuriug,  I  found 
k  vefTel  bound  for  London,  the  captain  in- 
tending to  fail  about  the  middle  of  the  i  ith 
month.  I  went  on  board,  accompanied  by 
divers  friends;  we  fat  a  while  in  the  cabin, 
in  a  folemn  filence;  my  mind  was  deeply 
engaged  to  be  rightly  direcfled;  and  finding, 
as  I  thought,  rather  a  freedom  to  go  in 
that  Ihip,  1  therefore  fignified  to  the  cap- 
tain and  the  owners,  that  I  intended  to  em- 
bark in  her,  which  they  appeared  to  be  well 
pleafed  with.  I  then  went  to  Chefter- 
County,  to  take  leave  of  my  relations  and 
friends,  and  to  attend  the  quarterly-meet- 
ing at  Concord;  which  I  did,  and  had  large 
open  fervice  in  the  feveral  meetings,  to  great 
Hitisfaclion  and  comfort.  On  third-day  I 
went  to  a  large  meeting  at  Chefter;  death 
and  darknefs  feemed  to  reign  the  whole 
rime,  fo  that  I  had  no  power  to  move,  as  to 
ininiftry.  I  got  to  Philadelphia  next  morn- 
ing, the  lliip  being  to  fail  from  thence  the 
next  day.  On  fixth-day,  about  nine  o'clock, 
I  took  a  folemn  leave  of  fundry  valuable 
friends  in  the  city,  and  fet  out  for  Chefter 
to  meet  the  fhip ;  many  friends  from  thence 
and  Derby,  accompanying  me  thither; 
where,  after  dinner,  in  near  affecTtion  we 
took  leave,  never  ^xpedling  to  fee  each  other 
again.  I  then  embarked  on  board  the  Ihip 
Phebe,  Capt.  Mungo  Davifbn;  we  got  under 
fail  about  two  o'clock  next  morning,  and 
on  .firll-dayj  the   16th  of  the  luh  month. 


412,        The    JOURNAL    o? 

about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  we  got 
to  fea. 

I  find  this  remark  amongfl:  my  memo- 
randurns,  written,  I  fuppofe,  after  I  had  been 
fome  time  at  fea,  viz.  ''  It  is  fit  to  be  re- 
membered, in  humble  and  awful  acknow- 
ledgment, that  the  Lord  has  been  with  me 
ever  iince  I  came  on  board  this  ihip,  in  love 
and  mercy  unfpeakable,  caufing  fweet  peace 
to  flow  as  a  river  in  my  foul,  fo  as  to  make 
me  forget  all  my  former  anguilli.  For  the 
former  things  are  all  palTed  away,  fo  that, 
through  infinite  condefcending  love,  I  have 
learned  to  fing  the  fong  of  Mofes  and  the 
fong  of  the  Lamb,  and  -even  upon  the 
migh"^-  foaming  unflable  ocean,  to  fpeak  in 
myfelf  in  pfalms,  and  hymns,  and  fpiritual 
fongs,  making  melody  in  my  heart  to  the 
Lord,  who  hath  been  pleafed  to  preferve 
me  through  many,  qh !  very  many  heights 
and  depths;  heights  in  my  fervice  and 
affedions  of  my  friends  and  others,  I  hope 
from  being  lifted  up  or  exalted  above  mea- 
fure,  by  the  revelation  I  have  been  favoured 
with;  and  through  the  deep  baptifms  I  have 
experienced,  in  fympathy  with  the  preci- 
ous depreffed  feed,  borne  down  and  prefTed 
by  the  fins  of  mankind,  as  a  cart  is  prelTed 
with  fheaves ;  the  Lord  enabling  me  to  be  re- 
lignedly  contented  in  that  flate :  whether  in 
fuffering  or  rejoicing,  filence  or  words,  he 
mercifully  gave  me  this  fupport  by  the 
power  of  his  own  fpirit,  and  now  is  lb 
gracious,  as  to  reward  my  mind  with  fwc£t 

peace 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        jp- 

peace  foF  abiding  in  that  ftation  v/herein 
he  alone  preferved  me.  I  v/as,  through 
unfpeakable  kindnefs,  when  I  fat  dov/n  ir^ 
a  meeting,  m.oftly  enabled  to  fay,  **  Tiiy 
will  be  done,  whether  in  making  nib 
of  me  as  thy  inftrument  to  found  an  alarm 
to  the  people,  or  to  fet  them  an  example 
of  lilent  waiting  upon  thee.'^  What  iliall 
I  fay  or  return  to  the  Loid  of  everlaftirig 
loving-kind nefs  for  preiervation,  by  fea  and 
by  land,  in  many  perils ;  I  am  at  a  lofs  for 
expreifions  to  fet  forth  his  bountiful  good- 
nefs,  and  the  greatnefs  of  his  love  and 
mercy  to  thofe  who  truft  in  him.  I  there- 
fore humbly  defire  with  lilent  reverence, 
or  otherwife  as  ability  is  afiorded,  to  mag- 
nify, worfliip,  and  adore  him,  who  is  glo- 
rious in  holinefsj  and  fearful  in  praife, 
working  wonders,  who  alone  is  worthy 
now  and  evennore !  Amen." 

We  had  a  ftrong  new  ihip  which  had 
been  at  fea  but  one  voyage  before ;  Ihe  was 
very  tight  in  the  river  and  bay,  but  we  had 
not  been  a  week  at  fea  before  flie  fprung  a  leak 
to  that  degree,  as  to  require  much  labou? 
to  clear  her  of  water.  This  feemed  to  afFedl 
the  captain  and  the  paflengers  pretty  much, 
not  knowing  but  tlie  leak  would  increafe, 
and  we  being  but  poorly  manured,  the  cap- 
tain having  been  deceived  in  fome  whom 
he  had  taken  in  for  -^CH^'d  hands,  proving  of 
little  ufe,  nay,  one  of  them  rather  a  bur- 
den. In  this  gloomy  time,  through  mer- 
ciful help,  I  found  a  bjelled  fupport  to  my 

mind, 


424        The    JOURNAL    of 

mind,  in  humble  confidence,  that  he  who 
is  Lord  of  all  (in  whofe  counfel  I  appre- 
hended I  was  there)  would  condudl  me  fafe 
to  my  outward  habitation  ;•  yet  I  was  ibrry 
for  fuch  an  addition  of  work  to  the  failors, 
as  we  were  obliged  to  keep  one  hand  at  leaft- 
at  the  pump  night  and  day  all  the  paflage, 
which  was  flormy  and  rough,  and  very  un- 
pleafant  to  the  body.  The  captain  and  paf- 
fengers  were  very  civil  and  obhging  to  me. 
It  w^as  the  1 9th  of  the  1 2th  month,  before 
we  found  ourfelves  in  foundings  on  the 
EngliHi  coaft.  After  we  had  failed  a  con- 
fiderable  way  up  the  Channel,  the  wind 
came  a-head  of  us,  fo  that  we  beat  about 
therein  for  feveral  days,  and  were  once  in 
great  danger  of  being  fhip wrecked  upon 
the  Ifland  of  Alderney.  On  the  25th  of 
the  1 2th  month,  in  the  evening,  we  put 
into  the  fafe  port  of  Dartmouth.  I  then  re- 
folved  to  leave  the  ihip,  being  about  230 
miles  from  home,  where  I  arrived  the  laft 
day  of  the  year,  1766,  having  been  upon 
this  journey  one  year  and  a  half,  lacking  a 
few  days.  I  underftood  it  was  fix  or  fcvGn 
weeks  before  the  Ihip  arrived  at  London^ 
after  I  left  her. 

As  I  have  already  far  exceeded  in  large- 
nefs,  what  I  intended  to  leave  behind  me 
in  the  way  of  Journal,  fo  I  muft  forbear 
adding  much  more;  yet  may  jull  hint,  that 
in  the  year  1768,  I  went  to  the- quarterly- 
meetings  of  York,  Kendal,  and  Lancafter, 
I  had  divers  other  meetings  in  the  North, 

and  J 


JOHN    GRIFFITH.        425 

and^  accompanied  by  my  worthy  friend 
Samuel  Fothergill,  had  feveral  meetings 
in  North  Wales,  in  town-halls,  where  none 
under  our  name  refided.  I  pafTed  afterwards 
through  a  part  of  England,  into  South 
Wales,  and  fo  to  Briftol;  from  thence  I 
returned  home ;  having  paffed  through,  ia 
England  and  Wales,  abou.t  twenty-five 
counties,  and  attended  fixty-three  meet- 
ings, and  travelled  about  1016  miles. 

In  the  4th  month,  1770,  I  fet  out,  ac- 
companied by  my  wife,  intending  to  be  at 
the  circular  yearly-meeting,  to  be  held  this 
year  at  Ormikirk,  in  Lancajfliire.  We  were 
at  Manchefler  meetings  on  firft-day,  and 
attended  a  very  large  monthly-meeting  on 
the  fecond-day  following,  at  Warrington. 
Truth  and  its  teftimony  was  exalted,  and  had 
great  dominion  therein  over  libertine  fpi- 
rits,  to  the  joy  of  the  upright  in  heart. 
The  yearly-meeting  before  mentioned  be- 
gan the  17th  of  the  fame  month,  and  held 
three  days:  there  was  a  very  convenient 
booth  ere6led  for  the  purpofe,  which,  it 
was  thought,  wovild  accommodate  2000 
people ;  yet  it  was  not  fufEcient  to  contain 
the  numbers  who  came,  fo  that  other  meet- 
ings were  held  out  in  the  open  air  at  the 
fame  time.  The  people  in  general  behaved 
with  civility  and  refpeft;  there  was  con- 
fiderable  opcnnefs,  and  the  meetings  were 
well  conducted.  We  returned  from  thence 
homewards,  taking  Warrington  meeting  on 
firft-day:  the  journey  was  very  fatisfaftory, 
the  whole  beiug  about  48 8  miles. 


^4^6        TheJOUHNAL    &c. 

In  the  year  1772,  I  went,  in  coriipaity 
^vith  my  friends  Sarah  and  Deborah  Morns 
of  Philadelphia,  to  the  yearly-meeting  at 
Briildl ;  it  was  large  and  divinely  favovired. 
I  attended,  this  year,  four  other  yearly-meet- 
ings, to  very  good  fatisfacftion  and  comfort, 
viz.  London,  Colchcfter,  Woodbridge,  and 
Norwich,  accompanied  by  my  wife  to  the 
laft  four,  as  well  as  by  the  two  friends 
before- mentioned,  who  were  in  this  na- 
tion upon  a  religious  vifit. 

Being  now  in  the  fixtieth  year  of  m^^ 
age,  and  having  laboured  twelve  or  four- 
teen years,  at  times,  pretty  much  under 
an  afthmatic  complaint,  which  has  caufed 
ariding  to  be  frequently  painful  to  the  body^ 
which  difficulty  age  is  likely  to  increafe, 
1  expect  therefore,  travelling  of  any  con- 
fiderable  journies  will  of  courfe  ceafe^ 
and  having  written  fo  much  already,  I  here 
intend  to  lay  down  my  pen,  committing 
myfelt,  and  what  is  done,  to  the  provi- 
dence and  bleffing  of  God,  in  whofe  power 
alone  it  is  to  grant  patience,  refignation, 
and  perfeverance,  to  his  poor,  helplefs  fer- 
vants,  and  an  increafe  of  their  gofpel  la- 
bours;   So  be  it! 


FINIS, 


S   6  M   li 


BRIEF   REMARKS 


UPON     SUNDRY 

JA:  13 

IMPORTANT    SUBJECTTS,       ' 


NecefTary  to  be  underftood  and  attended  to  by  alt 
proiFeffing  the  Christian   Religioit. 


Prineipally  addreffed  to 

The  People  tailed  QJJAKERS. 


By    JOHK    GRIFFITH. 

LONDON,     Printed: 

PHILADELPHIA,    Re-printed 

%   JOSEPH    CRUKSHANK  In  Market-flreei^, 
iJetwcen  Second  and  Third- ftreets. 


* 


THE 

PREFACE. 

Candid  Reader, 

WERE  it  not  apprehended  by  me 
a  duty,  thus  to  offer  to  thy  fe- 
rious  perum\the  following  plain  and 
experin^^ital  o&fcrvations  upon  various 
fubjecls,  ^ffacHj  hac^ft  not  hear.d  from  me 
in  this  way .^ V  >    \     x. 

I  have  often,  with  rttany  brethren 
and  fifters  ia^the  truth,  been  deeply 
affected  in  vic^HPff  the  great  danger 
chriftian  profeffon^  are  ex  p -fed  to 
through  a  prevailing^, indifference  of 
mind.  For  wherf  a  lethargic  Itupefac- 
tion  hath  gained' the  afcendancy,  reli- 
gion in  notion,  and  fruiilefs  fpeculati- 
on,  fatisfy  a  mind  fo  depraved  A  re- 
novation of  heart,  without  which  none 
can  be  truly  religious,  hath  not  been 
fought  after.  Pleafed  with  the  iliell  or 
form  only,  fuch  have  not  been  fenfible 
they  wanted  the  fubllance. 

When  the  fubtil  adverfary  finds  men 
in  this  kind  of  ilecp  or  ftupcfaclion,  it 

is 


The    preface. 

is  then  his  opportunity  for  fowing  the 
tares  amongft  th^e  wheat:  by  fuch 
means  the  field  of  the  chriftian  church 
became  in  procefs  of  time  covered 
therewith.  That  which  came  neareft 
to  my  heart,  and  moft  earneftly  en- 
gaged my  attention  to^vards  the  pre- 
fent  undertaking  (not  without  ardent 
delires  for  the  lafting  advantage  of 
chrilHans  of  all  denominations)  was, 
that  the  c'efcendants  of  a  people,  who 
a  little  above  a  century  ago  were  very 
marveiloufJy  brought,  out  of,  and  re- 
deemed from,  all  lifelefs  fhadov^s,  and 
empty  forms  of  religion,  to  enjoy  and 
be  grounded  in  the  blelTed  power  and 
life  thereof,  might  be  preferved  truly 
fenfible  of  the  way  and  means  where- 
by our  v/orthy  predeceifors  obtained  a 
firm  eftablifhment  in  the  truth,  as  it  is 
in  Chrift  Jcfus:  for  it  is  evident,  where 
the  means  are  neglected,  the  end  cau- 
not  be  attained. 

That  many  of  thefe  defcendants  in 

this  day  of  outward  peace  and  plenty, 

inclining  to  falfe  liberty  and  eafe,  do 

*  '  ihun 


The    preface. 

fliun  the  crofs  of  Chrift,  which  would 
crucify  them  to  the  world,  is  a  mourn- 
ful truth,  too  obvious  to  be  denied. 
Ill  confideration  hereof,  I  found  a 
concern  to  throw  a  few  obfervations 
before  them,  as  near  as  I  could,  fuited 
to  the  prefent  ftate  of  things;  endea*^ 
vouring,  in  fome  degree^  to  offer  to 
the  view  of  the  prefent  and  fucceed- 
ing  generations,  by  what  means  our 
worthy  predeceflbrs  became  fuch  ii  liv- 
ing honourable  body  of  people;  that 
the  necelTity  may  fully  appear  of  the 
fame  bleffed  power  operating  upon  their 
minds,  in  order  to  qualify  all,  that 
they  may  rightly  fucceed  thofe  valiants 
in  maintaining  the  caufe  of  Gcd. 

The  objection  which  caft  fome  dif- 
couragemenc  in  my  way,  may  alfo  oc- 
cur to  fome  readers,  viz.  that  the  fub- 
jccts  treated  of  in  this  fmall  tra6l  have 
been  divers  times  heretofore  judicioufly 
wrote  upon  by  different  authors.  This 
is  no  more  than  may  be  faid  of  mofl 
other  religious  fubjects  as  well  as  thefe* 
pivine    wifdom    and    goodnefs    hath 

feen 


The  Preface. 

feen  meet  to  revive  the  fame  truths, 
by  different  inftruments,  from  genera- 
tion to  generation;  the  Lord's  fervants 
Ipeaking  the  fame  thing,  as  with  One 
mouth.'  Herein  God's  gracious  con- 
defcenfion  to  human  frailty  is  very  con- 
fpicuous  and  wonderful^  by  caufing 
thofe  excellent  truths,  fo  eflential  to 
be  received  that  man's  foul  may  be  fav- 
ed,  to  be  frequently  revived  and  incul- 
cated, feeing  he  is  fo  liable  to  forget 
God,  and  his  reafonable  duty  to  him. 
Having  no  defire  to  enlarge,  1  iliall 
only  add  my  earneft  prayer  to  the  God 
and  Father  of  all  fure  mercies,  that 
this  mite  of  fimple  experimental  truths, 
which  I  have  caft  into  the  treafury, 
may  meet  the  ferious  reader,  of  what- 
ever denomination,  with  the  divine 
bleHlng  in  it!  If  that  graciouUy  attend, 
though  what  is  here  offered  may  be 
juftly  accounted  as  the  barley-loaves, 
the  hungry  foul  may  receive  fomc 
ftrength  and  refreflimcnt  thereby. 

3Cth  8th  Mo.  1764. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER    I. 

Containing  tender  Advice,  Caution  and  CouNr 
SEL  to  Parents  and  Children.  Page  i 


CHAPTER    II. 

Containing  fome  Brief  Obfervations  concerning 
the  Nature  and  Necessity  of  the  New 
JBiRTH.  P^gG  2.3 


CHAPTER    III. 

Relating  to  the  Nature  of  True  Worship j 
with  fome  Remarks  upon  the  State  of  our  So- 
ciety as  in  early  Times  and  now.  Page  43 

CHAPTER    IV. 

Containing  Short  Remarks  upon  the  True  and 
the  False  Ministry.  Page  6^ 

CHAPTER    V. 

Containing  Brief  Obfervations  upon  the  Nature 
-and  Usefulness  of  Christian  Discipline. 

Page  83 


i:^ 


/     /; 


\ 


'■     5  'Jo   \M   -E  V.-. 

BRIEF     REMARKS 

UPON 

Sundry  Important  Subjects. 

«=g  j  — — r''         I  —       '      -         '       '  I'S        '        ■     "     .!L'.    U  f 

CHAPTER     L 

Containing  tender  Advice,  Caution  and  CouNf 
SEL  to  Parents  and  Children* 

FI R  S  T  to  parents.  Very  much  depends 
upon  a  right  education  of  children* 
I  therefore  find  it  in  my  mind  to  make 
a  few  obfervations  thereon,  as  it  fhall  pleafe 
the  Lord  to  open  my  underftanding ;  with- 
out whofe  afliftance,  and  blefling  upon  our 
labours,  they  prove  altogether  fruitlefs. 

The  children  of  Ifrael  were  ftrid:ly  en- 
joined to  make  the  training  up  their  children 
in  the  law  of  God  their  conftant  care;  viz. 
*'  Hear,  O  Ifrael,  the  Lord  our  God  is  one 
*' Lord;  and  thou  fhalt  love  the  Lord  thy 
**  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
B  ^'  foul 


Advice y  Caution^  and  Couv/el 


(I 


(( 


foul,  and  with  all  thy  might.  And  thefe 
words  which  I  command  thee  this  day> 
fliali  be  in  thine  heart,  and  thou  flialt 
teach  them  diligently  unto  thy  children, 
and  flialt  t^lk  of  them  when  thou  fitted  in 
thine  houfe,  and  when  thou  walkeft  by 
"  the  way,  and  when  thou  lieft  down,  and 
**  when  thdii  rife  ft  up.^" 

Exceeding  great  is  the  truft  repofed  in  pa- 
rents and  heads  of  families.  It  certainly 
lies  upon  them  an  indifpenfable  duty,  as 
much  as  they  can,  both  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample, to  form  the  tender  minds  of  their 
offspring  to  virtue,  as  faith  the  apoflle, 
''  And  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children 
"  to  wrath:  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nur- 
**  ture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.f"  And, 
*'  Traiu  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  Ihould  go: 
•'  and  when  he  is  old,  he  v^^ill  not  depart 
''fromit.t."     • 

Parents  mufl  lirft  be  well  acquainted  with 
the  way  of  truth,  and  the  nurture  and  ad- 
monition of  the  Lord  themielves,  before 
they  can  train  np  their  children  therein. 
That  v/hich  is  likely  tu  have  the  greatefl  in- 
fluence upon  their  tender  minds,  is  a  fteady 
circumfpedl  example,  in  a  felf-denying  con- 
duct before  them;  which  will  beget  re- 
verence, and  honourable  thoughts  in  chil- 
dren, and  fervants  too,  concerning  thofe 
whom  Providence  hath  placed  over  them. 
Great  care  ihould  dwell  upon  the  minds 

of 
*  Deut.  vi.  4,  5,  6,  7.    t  Ep^»  vi,  4.    %  ^^ov,  xxH.  6. 


to  Parents  and  Children,  3 

of  parents,  to  make  it  fully  evident  to  their 
children  that  they  are  much  more  defirous 
they  fhould  poffefs  an  heavenly  than  an 
earthly  inheritance ;  that  they  are  more  con- 
cerned their  fouls  may  be  adorned  with  the 
graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  than  that  their 
bodies  fhould  appear  finely  decked  with  out- 
ward ornaments. 

Children  will  be  very  likely  to  value  that 
which  they  fee  is  preferred  by  their  parents, 
w^hether  it  be  the  things  of  the  world,  or 
religion.  If  this  be  really  the  cafe,  which  I 
think  will  be  allowed  by  confiderate  perfons, 
O  then !  how  much  depends  upon  them  for 
the  promotion  of  truth  and  righteoufnefs  on 
the  earth,  both  in  regard  to  the  prefent  time, 
and  generations  to  come.  This  yet  more 
fully  appears  by  the  Lord's  tellimony  con- 
cerning Abraham.  *'  And  the  Lord  faid, 
^'  Shall  I  hide  from  Abraham  that  thing 
'^  which  I  do?  feeing  that  Abraham  fliall 
''  furely  become  a  great  and  mighty  nation, 
*'  and  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  fliall  be 
*'  bleffed  in  him.  For  I  know  him,  that  he 
*'  will  command  his  children,  and  his  houf- 
*'  hold  after  him,  and  they  fhall  keep  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  juftice  and  judg- 
ment; that  the  Lord  may  bring  vipda 
Abraham  that  which  he  hath  fpoken  of 
him.*"  In  chap.  xvii.  ver.  18.  his  godly 
concern  appears  earneft,  even  for  the  child 
of  the  bond-woman;  viz.  "  And  Abraham 

''  faid 

*  Gen.  xviii.  17,  18,  19; 


(( 


(C 


4.  Advice,  Caution,  and  Counfel 

*' faid  unto  God,  Oh!  that  Ilhmael  might 
*'  live  before  thee."  Which  petition  was 
anfwered. 

Conftant  and  warm  endeavours,  wqth  fe~ 
cret  cries  to  God  that  his  bleffing  may  attend 
them,  may  prov^  efFedlual  to  the  prefervati^ 
on  of  children.  This  fliould  begin  very 
early,  even  as  foon  as  they  are  capable  to 
diftinguifli  what  pleafes,  or  what  difpleafes 
their  parents.  A  felf-willed  perverfe  difpo- 
iition  may  foon  be  difcovered  in  children 
(more  efpecially  in  fome)  which  is  very  ear- 
neft  to  have  its  own  way,  before  they  can 
judge  what  is  beft  for  themfelves.  This 
fhould  conftantly  be  fubjedled  to  thofe  that 
are  to  judge  for  them.  They  fhould  never 
be  fuftered  to  prevail  by  an  untoward  fretful 
temper,  not  even  when  what  they  crave  is 
fui table  for  them  to  receive,  were  they  in  a 
fubmiilive  difpofition ;  that  they  may  clear- 
ly fee  (which  they  foon  will)  it  is  more  to 
their  benefit  and  comfort  to  yield  an  entire 
jTubjedlion  to  their  providers,  and  that  no- 
thing is  to  be  got  by  a  fretful  felf-willed 
temper.  This  fhould  be  done  by  a  conftant 
fleady  hand,  and  it  will  make  the  v/ork  of 
parents  abundantly  eafier  in  the  government 
of  their  children,  and  may  prove  a  great 
eafe  to  thofe  concerned  with  them,  perhaps 
through  the  whole  courfe  of  their  lives; 
fince  by  crufhing  their  perverfenefs  in  the 
iirft  buddings,  it  may  fo  die  away,  as  never 
saoje  to  gain  the  pre-eminence.    Tl  js  would 

be 


to  Parents  and  Children,  ^ 

be  S  wonderful  bleffing,  and  they  would 
owe  their  watchful  parents  more  for  fup- 
preffing  that,  and  other  pernicious  buds  in 
them,  than  for  a  large  patrimony  or  out- 
ward inheritance.  Indeed  every  thing  of 
an  evil  nature  fliould  be  kept  down  in  them 
by  fuch  careful  fteady  means.  Oh !  what  a 
fine  hopeful  generation  of  youths  fliould  we 
have,  were  parents  in  general  to  exercile  this 
prudent  care  in  all  things !  I  verily  believe, 
inftead  of  fober  virtuous  youth  being  as 
fpeckled  birds  amongft  others,  the  rebel- 
lious, difobedient,  and  fro  ward  would  be 
fo;  and  this  would  bring  judgment  over 
them. 

A  confcientious  difcharge  of  this  great 
duty  would  bring  an  ample  reward  to  fuch 
parents,  as  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  fee 
their  children  walking  in  the  truth :  and  if 
they  fliould  prove  unfuccefsful,  as  it  fome- 
times  hath  happened,  they  will  be  clear  of 
their  childrens  blood  in  God's  fight,  which 
is  a  very  great  thing;  fo  that  though  the 
rebellion  and  evil  condu(5l  of  their  offspring 
may  be  their  forrow,  it  will  not  be  their  fin. 

I  have  fometimes  been  much  grieved, 
when  I  have  feen  youth  in  the  way  of  being 
ruined  by  the  very  imprudent  indulgence  of 
their  parents,  efpecially  mothers ;  making 
themfelves  and  others  mere  flaves  to  the 
perverfe  humours  of  their  children ;  taking 
abundance  of  pains  to  extinguifli  the  flame 
^f  their  untoward  tempers,  by  fuch  means 

as 


6  AdvicCj  Caution^  and  Cowtfel 

as  add  fewel  to  the  fire;  inverting  the  order 
of  nature,  by  becoming  fubjeCL  to  thofe 
who  fliOLild  fubmit  to  them,  by  anfwering 
their  unreafonable  cravings;  making  them- 
felves  more  work  (and  that  too  of  a  very 
difagreeable  nature)  to  educate  one,  than, 
were  they  to  follow  the  method  before  hint- 
ed, it  would  require  to  educate  a  number, 
and  in  the  end  not  fo  well  done  neither. 
Parents,  wjio  are  fo  very  imprudent,  have 
lefs  reafon  to  reflect  upon  their  children  for 
being  felf-willed,  and  not  fubjecl  to  them 
when  they  grow  up:  feeing  they  themfelves 
have  cheriflied,  fed,  and  fupported  that 
temper  in  them  from  their  cradles ;  where- 
by, unlefs  religion  lays  deep  hold  of  them, 
and  changes  the  flate  of  their  minds,  they 
are  unfitted  to  be  a  comfort  either  to  them- 
felves or  others ;  not  being  formed  for  good 
fervants,  hufbands,  wives,  or  members  of 
fociety. 

Alas!  when  I  take  a  view  of  the  world, 
and  refledl  how  it  wallows  in  abundance  of 
wickednefs  and  corruption,  which  mankind 
pofTefs  in  a  kind  of  fucceffion  from  parents 
to  children,  like  outward  inheritances;  I 
have  no  words  fufEcient  to  fet  forth  to  the 
full  fo  deplorable  a  cafe.  How  forrowful  it 
is  to  obferve  even  children,  by  the  power  of 
example,  become  as  grown  men  in  wicked- 
nefs and  hardnefs  of  heart !  Cuftom  and  ge- 
neral pradlice  hath,  as  it  were,  changed  the 
nature  of  fome  grofs  evils,  fo  that  there  ap- 
;  ,  :         pears 


to  Parents  and  Children.  7 

pears  very  little  remorfe  in  the  almoft  con- 
llant  praclice  of  them.  Many  children  are 
brought  up,  like  their  parents,  much 
ftrangers  to  their  duty  both  to  God  and 
man.  This  almoft  univerfal  infeclion  of 
evil,  forgetfulnefs  of  God,  and  of  many  or 
moft  relative  duties,  by  a  conftantly  wal- 
lowing in  the  pollutions  of  this  world,  are 
very  alarming,  and  call  loudly  for  a  refor- 
mation, left  the  Lord  break  forth  in  judgment 
vipon  the  nations,  as  the  breach  of  waters. 
It  is  indeed  a  painful  taflv  for  godly  parents, 
amidft  to  general  a  depravity,  to  educate 
their  children  withou"  receiving  fome  tinc- 
ture from  this  pollution,  which  runs  down 
like  a  ftrong  torrent.  The  fafeft  way  is, 
with  great  ftridnefs  to  keep  them  out  of 
fuch  company;  though  an  inconveniency 
may  attend  that  in  fome  outward  refpecls. 
But  oh !  the  fouls  are  the  moft  precious  part 
of  them,  which  parents,  above  all  other 
confiderations,  ought  to  be  concerned  to 
preferve  untainted  with  the  defilements  "5f 
this  world. 

There  is  no  better  rule  to  proceed  and  acl 
by  in  this  important  talk,  than  the  Spirit  of 
truth,  promifed  to  lead  us  into  all  truth. 
If  we  mind  this,  we  fliall  not  indulge  our 
children  in  any  individual  thing  which  thar. 
teftifies  againft  in  ourfelves.  We  fliall  be 
far  from  pleading,  that  becaufe  they  are 
young,  fome  greater  liberties  may  be  allow- 
ed them  in  drefs  orotherwifej  but  as  they 

are 


8  Advice^  Caution^  and  Cownfel 

are  a  part  of  ourfelves,  the  fame  divine  law 
fliould  be  a  {landing  rule  for  the  whole. 

I  have  taken  notice,  that  divers  parents, 
who,  as  to  their  outward  appearance,  feem 
to  have  learned,  in  degree,  the  leiFon  of 
humility  and  felf-denial,  however  as  far  as 
could  be  difcovered  by  their  drefs  and  ad- 
drefs,  vet  feem  to  have  no  aveirlion  to  their 
children's  making  a  different  appearance; 
nay,  fome  will  even  introduce  them  into  it 
themfelves  whilft  very  young ;  by  which  it 
is  plain  they  have  a  pride  in  feeing  them  fo, 
and  cannot  help  (notwithftanding  their  out- 
ward fliew)  difcovering  great  unfoundnefs, 
and  that  they  themfelves  are  not  what  they 
would  pafs  for.  I  fincerely  wifli  that  pa- 
rents, who  are  apt  to  indulge  wrong  liber- 
ties in  their  children,  by  fufiering  them  to 
deviate  from  that  pure  fimplicity  and  felf- 
denial  Truth  led  our  anceftors,  and  ftill 
leads  thofe  who  follow  it  into,  would  confi- 
der,  in  the  firft  place,  the  injury  their  chil- 
dren fuftain  thereby,  by  being  placed  in 
a  difficult  and  dangerous  lituation  with  re- 
fpedl  to  temptations,  which  may  be  prefent- 
ed  to  them  by  the  children  of  the  land,  or 
of  the  world:  for  doubtlefs  the  more  like 
them  they  appear,  the  more  free  and  inti- 
mate will  fuch  make  themfelves  with  them, 
that  they  may  be  drawn  out  into  undue 
liberties;  whereas,  did  they  make  an  ap- 
pearance quite  confiflent  with  their  plain 
felf-deuying  profeffion,  that  fort  would  be 

more 


to  Parents  and  Ghildrtn.  9 

more  backward  to  attempt  an  accels  to 
them. 

Ihere  is  no  doubt  with  me,  but  this  has 
opened  a  way  for  many  under  our  profeffion 
to  ruin  themfelves,  by  going  out  in  mar- 
riage; and  their  parents  have  been,  by  their 
imprudent  indulgence,  the  original  caufe 
thereof.  For  fuffering  them  to  be  fo  much 
like  the  world,  and  fo  little  like  what  Truth 
leads  into,  they  are  put  out  of  the  way  of 
the  beft  connexions  in  marriage  amongft  us, 
viz.  the  mod  religious ;  as  fuch  dare  not 
feek  to,  nor  join  with,  thofe  who  give  way 
to  undue  liberties :  I  mean  fuch  as  Trutlx 
doth  not  allow  us,  as  people  who  ought  in 
all  things  to  hold  up  a  true  ftandard  to  the 
nations,  to  continue  in.  Here  inconfiderate 
tender  youth,  through  their  aptnefs  to. crave 
the  glittering  gaiety  of  x\\t  world,  and  their 
much  more  imprudent  parents  indulging 
them  therein,  are,  as  it  were,  prepared  for 
ruin,  unlefs  divine  mercy  interpofe;  and 
are  alfo  removed  out  of  the  way .  of  the 
greateft  bleffing  that  can  be  enjoyed  in  the 
things  of  this  life;  viz.  a  truly  religious 
hufband  or  wife. 

Some  parents  have  been  pierced  through 
with  much  forrow  by  fuch  means,  and  have 
had  gretlt  caufe  to  repent  when  it  was  too 
late,  and  there  hath  been  reafon  to  fear  that 
the  blood  of  their  children  would  be  requir- 
ed at  their  hands.  Oh!  how  diihonourably 
have  feme  leaned  to  unfuitable  connexions 

C  far 


10  Advice,  Catitmiy  and  Counfel 

for  their  children,  when  there  hath  been  a 
large  outward  profiieil !  It  is  to  be  feared 
divers  parents  have  looked  at  little  elie. 
This  hath  fometimes  appeared  to  have  been 
the  cafe,  by  the  llight  put  upon  the  offers 
of  thofe,  who  have  wanted  nothing  to  re- 
commend them  but  wealth;  the  want  of 
which,  in  the  eye  of  fuch,  has  proved  fo 
offenfive,  that  they  feem  to  have  been  re- 
ceded on  that  account.  This  is  very  wrong, 
and  oug;ht  never  to  have  entrance  amongft 
ariy  profciilng  the  Chriftian  name;  "  Itov 
''  the  earth  is  the  Lord^,  and  the  fulnefs 
''  thereof.*" 

'  Some  perhaps  may  think  I  am  very  clofe 
and  itxtTQ  upon  parents ;  that  it  is  not  al- 
ways their  fault  when  children  take  undue 
liberties;  (which  I  have  already  granted) 
that  they^are  frequently  very  felf- willed  and 
tmgovernable.  This  is  indeed  faying  fome- 
thinp-,  when  children  become  their  own 
rulers  by  age,  or  other  wife,  and  have  to 
cloath  and  prcvide  for  themfelves;  but  I 
think  it  has  little  weight  whiilf  their  parents 
provide  for  them,  who  have  not  only  power 
to  advife  and  perfviade,  but  alfo  to  com- 
mand and  reftrain.  They  certainly  may 
and  ought  to  be  abfolute,  in  cafes  where  ihe 
'  teftimony  of  truth  is  in  danger  of "^fuffcring. 

It 

*  Thcfe  hints  are  not  intended  to  encourage  any  to  afpire 
after  great  things ;  but  that  alJ  fliould,  with  a  fingle  eye,  ear- 
neftlj  feek  for  divine  counfel,  both  in  making  and  accepting 
offers  ior  marriage. 


lo'  Parents  and  Chilch  m.  1 1 

It  is  very  obfervable,  that  Eli  was  greatly 
blamed,  becauie  he,  having  power,  did  not 
reftrain  his  wicked  fons ;  though  it  plainly 
appears  he  much  difapproved  of  their  prac- 
tices, and  expoilulated  with  them  on  that 
account,  and  laid  before  them  the  pernicious 
confequences  of  their  evil  conduct.  Oh! 
how  very  afFedling  it  is,  to  confider  the  fear- 
ful calamities  which  came  upon  that  houfe; 
and  alfo  upon  Krael,  probably  in  fome  mea- 
fure  on  the  fame  account. 

The  negle6l  and  imprudent  indulgence  of 
parents  in  the  training  up  their  children,  is 
alfo  a  painful  lofs  to  the  ibciety,  as  the  con- 
fequence  thereof  tends  greatly  to  obllruifl 
the  progrefs  of  truth,  by  (landing  in  the 
way  of  feinous  inquirers  as  ftvmibling- 
blocks ;  when  it  is  feen  by  fuch,  that  the 
fame  undue  liberties  they  are  called  out  of, 
are  indulged  amongft  us,  they  are  offended^ 
Oh!  that  parents,  children,  and  all  who 
are  unfaithful,  and  who  eafily  fuffer  the 
important  branches  of  our  Chrifcian  tefti- 
mony  to  fall  (as  indeed  they  would  all  ap- 
pear, if  they  were  ktw  in  a  true  light) 
would  deeply  confider  the  mournful  confe- 
quence  thereof,  by  retarding  the  progrefs  of 
truth,  and  grievoufly  eclipfing  the  beauty 
of  Sion!  Then  I  greatly  h^ope  a  more  lively 
zeal  and  holy  ardour  would  prevail,  and 
that  the  carelefs  fons  and  daughters  thereof 
would  arife,  and  fhake  themfelves  from  the 
dull  of  the  earth,  putting  on  the  beautiful 

garment 


12  Advice^  Caution^  and  Couvfcl 

garment  of  holinefs  and  truth,  that  flie 
might  become  more  and  more  a  praile  in  the 
earth. 

Having  offered  a  few  remarks  concerning 
the  important  duty  of  parents,  it  now  i  e- 
mains  to  do  the  fame  refp^dling  the  indif- 
penfible  duty  of  children  to  honour  and  obey 
their  parents  in  the  Lord^  which  is  ftrongly 
enjoined  in  the  holy  fcriptures,  and,  in  the 
nature  of  things,  of  lafting  and  indifpenfa- 
ble  obligation. 

The  command  is,  ^'  Honour  thy  father 
^'  and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may  be 
•'  long  upon  the  Land  which  the  Lord 
"  thy  God  giveth  thee.*"  Read  Matt.  xv. 
4.  Mark  vii.  10.  Luke  xvlii.  20.  Eph.  vi.  2, 
3.  In  that  which  is  confident  with  the  law 
of  God,  no  children  can  {land  acquitted 
before  the  fupreme  Judge,  for  diibbeying 
or  difhonouring  their  parents.  This  obedi- 
ence and  honour  not  only  extend  to  the 
yielding  to  what  they  enjoin  or  diredl,  but 
alfo  to  the  prefervation  of  a  reverent  awe, 
and  honourable  efteem  in  the  heart,  arifing 
from  a  bottom  of  love,  which  would  on  all 
juft  occafions  cheriih  and  proteft  them.  It 
is  a  fm  of  a  deep  dye  to  difregard  and  flight 
parents,  as  appears  by  Dcut.  xxvii.  16. 
^'  Curled  be  he  that  fetteth  light  by  his  fa- 
**  thcr  or  his  mother;"  and  Prov.  xxx.  17, 
^^  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  Iiis  father,  and 

^*  dcfpifeth 

■n  Exod.  XX.  12., 


ft?  Parents  and  Children.  13 

**  d/?fpifeth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  ravens 
*'  of  the  valley  ihali  pick  it  out,  and  the 
''  young  eagles  iliall  eat  it."  Chap,  xxiii. 
22.  "  Hearken  unto  thy  father,  and  defpife 
"  not  thy  mother  when  llie  is  old."  Chap, 
x^viii.  24.  '^  Whofo  robbeth  his  father  or 
"  his  mother,  and  faith.  It  is  no  tranfgref- 
*'  fion,  the  fame  is  the  companion  of  a 
''  deftroyer." 

On  the  other  hand,  very  memorable  was 
the  kind  and  watchful  Providence  which  at- 
tended fuch  as  feared  the  Lord,  and  thofe 
who  loved,  honoured,  and  obeyed  their 
parents;  as  Jacob,  Jofeph,  Ruth,  Samuel, 
and  David;  alfo  the  Rechabites.  Read  the 
account  concerning  them,  Jer.  xxxv.  Re- 
fpecling  fuch  as  lived  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  let  me  recommend  the  cafe  of  Daniel, 
*  and  the  three  children,  who,  becaufe  of 
their  faithfulnefs  to  God,  were  preferved 
unhurt,  when  by  their  adverfaries  expofed' 
to  the  greateft  torment  and  danger. 

It  would  far  exceed  the  bounds  of  my 
intention  to  particularize  all  thofe  excellent 
patterns  and  examples  we  are  favoured  with 
the  account  of,  which  are  wonderfully 
adapted  to  inilrucfl,  encourage,  and  improve 
the  youth,  as  well  as  others.  There  are 
aifo,  for  caution  and  warning,  examples 
and  very  affeding  inflances  of  fearful  judg- 
ments and  dreadful  calamities,  which  fell 
\i|3on  the  rebeUious  and  gainfayers.     May 

tlie 
*  Pin.  iii> 


14  Advice^  Caution^  and  Coiirtjel 

the  tender  minds  of  youth,  by  reading  thefe 
things,  (as  recorded  in  the  holy  icriptures 
and  other  good  book^)  be  deeply  imprelTed 
with  proper  lentiments  concerning  good  and 
evil,  and  the  very  different  rewards  of  vir- 
tue and  vice,  both  in  this  world,  and  in  the 
world  to  come. 

It  is  a  very  commendable,  as  well  as  a 
very  profitable  thing,  to  be  converfant  in 
thofe  facred  writings.  Remember  what 
Paul  faid  of  his  beloved  fon  Timothy,  viz. 
*'  From  a  child  thou  haft  known  the  holy 
fcriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee 
wife  unto  falvation,  through  faith  which 
is  in  Chrift  Jefus.  All  fcripture  given  by 
infpiration  of  God,  is  profitable  for  doc- 
trioie,  for  reproof,  for  corredion,  for  in- 
ftru6lion  in  righteoufnefs ;  that  the  man 
of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  fur- 
niflied  unto  all  good  works.*"  But  let 
the  youth  and  all  duly  confider,  that  the 
profiting  by  the  facred  writings  entirely  de- 
pends upon  the  holy  living  powerful  faith 
of  Chrift,  which  worketh  by  love,  purify- 
ing the  heart;  and  whereby  we  come  to  fee 
him  who  is  invifible,  and  confequently  to 
underftand  the  precious  myfteries  of  his 
kingdom,  as  far  as  is  proper  and  neceffary 
for  us  to  know  them,  which  is  all  that  is 
lawful  for  us  to  defire.  There  are  many 
Other  good  dnd  profitable  books,  but  none 

in 

*  2  Tim.  iii.  i^y  16,  17. 


to  Parents  and  Children.  1 5 

in  which  is  contained  fuch  a  ftore  of  rich 
treailire,  and  fublime  heavenly  myfleries, 
wonderfully  wrapped  np,  and  entirely  con- 
cealed from  earthly  wifdom  ^d  carnal  poli- 
cy. For  none  can  know  the  things  of  God 
without 'the  affiilance  of  his  Spirit,"  as  ap- 
pears by  I  Cor.  ii.  10.  to  15.  and  in  many 
other  places  too  tedious  to  enumerate. 

Great  hath  been  the  concern  of  the 
church  in  its  largeft  collective  body;  as 
appears  by  frequent  and  very  preiTnig  affec- 
tionate advice,  caution,  and  counfel  to  the 
youth,  to  read  the  holy  fcriptures,  and 
other  profitable  books,  carefully  to  refrain 
from  all  fuch  which  may  have  the  leaft  ten- 
dency to  alienate  their  minds  from  the  holy 
fear  of  God,  and  a  fober  virtuous  courfe  of 
life,  or  which  are  barely  for  amufement, 
being  unprofitable;  whereas  time  is  very 
precious,  fhort,  and  uncertain;  therefore 
it  fliould  be  carefully  improved  to  the  foul's 
everlafting  advantage.  Moreover,  that  the 
youth  do  yield  ftridl  and  careful  obedience 
to -the  Divine  Monitor  within,  to  parents, 
and  all  thoie  who  have  the  rule  over  them 
without,  carefully  to  fhun  the  vain  impro- 
fitable  amufements,  as  well  as  the  corrupt 
converfation  of  the  world :  earneftly  admo** 
nifliing  all,  to  avoid  every  thing  in  their 
drefs  and  addrefs,  which  might  have  the 
leaft  tendency  to  render  them  fuitable  for 
an  intercourfe,  league,  or  amity  wdth  the 
children  of  the  laad  \  or  of  a  depraved  de- 
generate 


1 6  Advice^  Caution^  and  Goiinjel 

generate  world,  that  wallows  in  pollution 
and  great  defilements,  left  they  ilionld  be 
drawn  afide,  as  Dinah  was,*  by  goirg  out 
to  fee  the  daughters  of  the  land ;  and  as  the 
children  of  lirael  were,  by  their  woeful  in- 
timacfy"  "with  the  daughters  of  Moab  and 
Midian.f  Read  the  whole  chapter;  not 
forgetting  the  dreadful  fall  of  Solomon,  the 
wifeft  king,  who,  by  contracting  intimacy 
with  thofe  that  were  ftrangers  to  God,  and 
his  holy  covenant,  came  to  have  his  heart 
drawn  away  from  the  living  and  true  God, 
who  had  appeared  to  him  in  Gibeon;  and 
fo  greatly  debafed  himfelf,  as  to  bow  down 
to  their  paltry  dumb  idols.  Time  would 
fail  to  recapitulate  one  half  of  the  mournful 
iiiftances  recorded  in  the  holy  fcriptures, 
and  other  authentic  accounts,  concerning 
the  hurtful  confequences  of  God's  people 
mixing  and  joining  with  the  nations.  It 
is  their  fafety  to  be  feparate,  and  to  dw^eli 
alone.}. 

Our  youth  have  been  alfo  highly  favoured 
with  a  living  powerful  miniftry,  which 
hath  often  reached  the  V/itnefs  of  God  in  their 
hearts.  What  a  wonderful  favour  ils  this! 
when  we  confider  that  the  greateft  part  af 
Chriftendom,  almoft  ever  fince  the  apoftles 
days,  have  deprived  themfelves  thereof,  by 
fubflituting  human  wildom  and  learning  in 
its   place;    fo  that  the  panting  thirfly  ioul 

could 

*  Gen.  xxxlv.  z.      t  Numb.  xxv.      :j:  Numb,  xxiii.  9. 


ta  Parents  and  Children.  iy 

could  meet  with  little  from  their  minifters, 
but  the  muddy  naufeous  waters  pf  Babylon 
to  drink;  neither  could  they  dire(5i  to  the 
paftures  of  Chrift's  flo'ck;  but  counfel  was 
darkened  by  a  multitude  of  words  without 
knowledge,  and  the  commandments  of  God 
made  void  by  the  precepts,  inventions,  and 
injuh(flions  of  men.  What  a  blefled  time 
is  your  lot  caft  in,  even  when  evangelical 
Light  and  Truth  hath  difcovered  itfelf  in 
perfedl  purity!  Oh!  that  our  youth  would 
confider  and  deeply  ponder  in  their  hearts, 
that  notwithftanding  the  great  and  earneft 
labours  many  ways  bellowed  in  godly  love 
and  zeal  for  the  whole  fociety's  prefervation 
in  the  way  of  truth  and  rightebufnefs,  yet 
very  forrowful  and  obvious  hath  been  the 
declenfion  in  pradlice  of  many  amongfl  us* 
A  mournful  inundation  of  undue  liberties 
has  flowed  in ;  many  have  made  grievous 
advances  in  thofe  corrupt  perilhing  plea- 
fures,  and  trifling  amufements,  which  our 
truly  pious  predeceflbrs  Wholly  denied,  and 
turned  their  backs  vipon,  and  have  left  us 
large  and  lively  teftimonies,  by  way  of 
warning  and  caution,  carefully  to  avoid 
being  entangled  with  fuch  yokes  of  bon- 
dage. All  thefe  things  have  prevailed  for 
want  of  abiding  in  the  fear  of  God,  and 
duly  confidering  that  he  is  ever  prefent,  be- 
holding all  our  words  and  adlions,  be  they 
ever  fo  much  concealed  from  the  view  of 
mortals:    vet    he    knows    them    altogether. 

D  When 


1 8  Advice  J  CautioHy  and  Counfet 

When  the  mind  is  fufFered  to  turn  to  hi^^ 
pure  Witnefs  in  the  heart,  we  find  reproof, 
corre(5tion,  and  judgment,  for  giving  way 
to  wrong  things :  and  as  the  youth  abide  in 
fubjedlion  thereunto,  they  will  be  afraid  to 
tranlgrefs  its  pure  law  in  the  mind ;  which 
they  will  find  agree  exadlly  with  the  pre- 
cepts and  injunctions  recorded  in  holy  writ, 
refpedling  their  duty  to  God,  to  their  pa- 
rents, and  all  mankind. 

The  reafon  why  many,  who  fee  their  du- 
ty, fail  in  the  performance,  is  their  depart- 
ing from  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  of 
the  Spirit  of  life  in  their  minds.  They 
may  be  informed  concerning  their  duty  by 
outward  means  and  law :  but  the  ability  is 
only  to  be  found  arifing  from  the  inward 
law,  agreeable  to  Rom.  viii.  2.  *'  For  the 
*'  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrift  Jefus 
*'  hath  made  me  free  from  the  law  of  lin 
*'  and  death."  In  obedience  and  hvimble 
fubjeclion  to  this  holy  law,  youth  would 
eiijoy  that  pure  peace,  heavenly  ferenity, 
and  fweet  confolation  of  foul,  which  infinitely 
lurpafleth  all  the  treafures  and  pleafures  of 
the  earth ;  and  would  have  a  well-grounded 
hope  of  a  happy  eternity.  It  is  the  adver*- 
fary  that  leads  to  that  obduracy  and  felf- 
willed  rebellious  ftate  of  mind,  to  be  ob- 
ferved  in  fome  of  the  youth,  who,  by  their 
vincontroulable  difpofitions,  adminifler  great 
forrow  and  anxiety  to  their  parents  and 
friends,  being  pufted  up  with  vain  conceits 
in  their  unexperienced  minds,  that  they  are 

more 


to  Parents  and  Children,  1 9 

more  capable  of  judging  for  themfdves, 
than  thofe  of  greater  experience  are  for 
them;  by  reafon  whereof  too  many,  it  is 
to  be  feared,  have  ruflied  on  to  the  ruin  qf 
body  and  foul. 

Very  great  is  the  danger  when  the  young 
and  unexperienced  are  proud  and  opinionated. 
This  naturally  raifes  above  inftrudlion,  put'- 
ting  them  out  of  the  way  of  being  truly 
profitable,  either  to  themfelves  or  others. 
Such,  tinlefs  their  hearts  are  mercifully 
turned  by  a  fupernatural  power,  are  never 
likely  to  be  fit  for  governing  families,  or 
to  a(fl  as  members  in  thca  church  of  God. 
Seeing,  unkfs  their  unmortified  wills  and 
tempers  are  fubmitted  to  (however  unreafon- 
able)  they  will  break  the  peace  of  fociety, 
and  violate  the  w^holefome  order  thereof^ 
being  hke  the  unfubjeded  bulls  of  Bafham 

When  any  afTume  the  outward  form  of 
religion,  and  take  upon  tihem  to  be  ailive 
members,  without  a  change  of  heart,  they 
prove  a  painful  burden  to  living  members-; 
neither  can  fuch  make  fuitable  help-mates 
as  hufbands  or  wives ;  nor  can  they  in  that 
ftate  rightly  fill  up  the  honourable  ftations 
of  parents,  matters  and  miftrefles,  friends, 
neighbours,  or  tradefmen.  I  do  therefore, 
in  much  affection,  and  defire  for  the  wel- 
fare of  tender  youth,  caution  and  w^arn 
them  carefully  to  avoid  the  company  and 
converfation  of  fuch,  though  under  the 
fame  profeffion;  who  difregard  their  parents. 


^o  Advice^  CmitioUj  mid  Conn/el 

and  thofe  who  have  the  rule  over  them; 
who  flight  or  fpeak  contempts oufly  of  thcijr 
betters,  fuch  as  minifters  and  elders,  &c^ 
or  of  the  Chriftian  advices  frequently  given 
forth  by  the  yearly  and  other  meetings,  or 
of  the  wholefome  difcipline  eftablifhed 
amongft  us  as  a  people  in  the  wifdom  of 
truth :  do  not  join  fuch  in  marriage,  how- 
ever great  the  outward  profpedl  may  appear ; 
for  tender  religious  minds  cannot  be  happy 
with  fuch  in  that  connexion.  And  as  thp 
fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wifdom, 
and  that  which  makes  and  keeps  the  heart 
clean,  learn  it  in  tender  age ;  by  it  you  will 
he  taught  to  remember  your  Ci^eator  in  tlie 
days  of  your  youth,  and,  agreeable  to  the 
injuncflion  of  our  bleffed  Lord,  to  feek  firft 
the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteoufnefs^ 
and  all  things  neceffary  here  will  be  add^d. 
Divine  wifdom,  as  it  is  regarded,  will  di- 
re<5l  your  fleps  in  the  courfe  of  this  iliort 
pilgrimage,  in  the  choice  of  proper  help- 
mates, and  all  other  affairs  of  confequence. 

The  fame  watchful  Providence  will  be 
over  you  in  care,  guidance,  and  proteiSion, 
if  you  look  to  it,  which  attended  thofe  who 
lived  in  his  fear,  as  you  may  read  in  the 
holy  fcriptures. 

It  greatly  behoves  you  to  look  diligently 
^o  the  foot-fteps  of  ChrifVs  companions, 
who  walked  with  him  through  many  tribu- 
lations, having  waflied  their  robes,  and 
made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 

Be 


t^o  Parents  and  Children.  i2*x 

Be  truly  contented  with  that  low,  humble, 
lelf-dejiying  way  which  yeu  fee  they  walked 
in;  you  can  iiev^r  mend  ii.  If  you  feek 
more  liberty  than  that  allows  of,  it  will  oiaJy 
bring  upon  you  darknefs,  pain.,  and  vexati- 
on of  fpirit.  Take  noti<:e  of  trieads  writ- 
ings in  early  tii^nes,  and  for, a  conCderable 
number*  of  years,  how  wonderfully  tli^ 
power  and  love  of  God  was  with  theiii  and 
how  marvclloully  tl-tey  were  prate6lGd' 
amidft  the  raging  foaming  waves  of  eartiily 
powers,  combined  to  lay  wafte  the  heritag-e. 
What  encouraging  and  excellent  accounts 
had  they  to  leave  upon  record  fpx  us,  con^ 
cerning  th^  mighty  powerful  overfhadow-- 
ing  of  the  canopy  of  heavenly  love  and  lift 
in  their  religious  aflemblies^  and  of  the  glo- 
ry of  God  fhining  forth  amt)ngft  theml 
This,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  is  not 
departed ;  though  there  bav.e  been  fome  re- 
moves thereof.  %  '^ 

Dearly  beloved  youth :  Lay  to  heart  the 
great  flacknefs  of  zeal  which  appears  in  too 
many;  the  dimnefs,  flatnefs,  and  the  pain- 
ful gloomiaefs,  which  fpreads  itfelf  over 
our  aflemblies  in  this  our  day,  hard  to 
break  through,  many  times  depriving  us  of 
the  heavenly  places  in  Chrift  jefus  our  Lord! 
It  is  not  of  Him  we  are  in  this  condition, 
but  it  certainly  is  our  own  fault,  becaufe 
^rong  things  are  fuffered  to  prevail.  Oh! 
that  our  youth  may  be  ftirred  up  in  a  godly 
zeal  to   cry  out  fervently  with  the  prophet 

Eliiha, 


%1  Advice y  Caution^  and  Counfel 

Eliflia,  "  Where  is  the  Lord  God  of  Eli- 
*'  jah?*"  And  to  be  as  vigilant  as  he  in 
ardent  endeavours  to  be  endi.ied  with  the 
fame  Spirit,  to  fucceed  thofe  honourable 
worthiesT  who  are  removed  from  works  tq 
receive  a  blefled  reward.  Confider  the  bu- 
finefs  of  your ^ day  is  to  come  up  in  a  faith- 
ful fucceflion,  maintaining  the  caufe  ^nA. 
teftimony  of  God,  left  with  you  by  your 
anceftors,  or  thofe  who  ar&  removed  as 
-above.  \  Stand  faft  therefore  in  the  liberty 
pvuxhafed  fqr  you  by  great  fufFerings,  and 
fhedding  of  innbcent  blood;  be  afraid  to 
trample  thereon ;  which  all  certainly  do, 
who  turn  away  from  the  trutj^  as  it  was 
received,  held  forth,  and  maintained  hy 
them.  May  it  be  very  precigftis  in  your 
eyes  from  generation  to  generation,  until 
time  fliall  be  no  more !  Thofe  who  other- 
wife  efteem  it,  turning  their  backs  there- 
upon, violating  the  bieiled  teftimony  thereof 
in  its  feveral  branches,  will  (unlefs  they 
repent)  be  wholly  reje(5led  and  caft  ofj^_a$ 
being  unwotthy  of  fo  great  an  honour,  as 
that  of  holding  forth  a  ftandard  of  truth 
and  righteoufnefs  to  the  nations ;  and  others 
will  be  called  and  chofen  for  that  great  and 
glorious  work:  yea,  the  Lord  is  able  to 
raife  up  of  thofe  who  may  be  compared  to 
the  ftones,  and  to  make  them  Abraham'is 
<:hildren,  by  doing  his  works  j  while  thoft, 

who 

*  Z  Kings  ii.  14. 


to  Parents  and  Children,  23 

who  might  have  been  the  children  of  the 
kingdom,  may  by  difobedience  provoke 
him  to  exclude  them. 

I  fhall  conclude  this  affe(5tionate  addrefa 
to  our  youth  with  the  words  of  Chrift, 
by  his  faithful  fervant  John,  to  the  church 
in  Philadelphia,  *^  Behold  I  come  quickly;. 
"  hold  that  faft  which  thou  haft,  that  no 
"  man  take  thy  crown.  Him  that  over- 
"  Cometh,  will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the  tem- 
*'  pie  of  my  God,  and  he  ftiall  go  no 
*'  more  out;  and  1  will  write  upon  him 
*'  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of 
*'  the  city  of  my  God,  which  is  Ne^iu 
"  Jerufalem^    which    cometh   down  out  of 

heaven  from  my  God :  and  I  will  write 

upon  him  my  new  name.*" 


iC 


CHAPTER    II. 

Containing  fome  brief  Obfervations  con- 
cerning the  Nature  and  Necessity 
of  the  New  Birth. 

TH  E  ftanding  dodlrine  preached  by 
our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  to  Nicodemus, 
of  the  neceffity  of  being  born  again,  John 
iii.  3 — 8.  and  what  is  delivered  by  John 
the  Baptifc  concerning  the  baptifm  of  Chrift 

with 

Rer.  iii.  xi,  la. 


1^4  Oh  the  Nature  and  Nccejfiiy 

with  the  H0I7  Ghofl  and  fire,*  being  the" 
fame  ia  fubftance,  which  is  alfo  fet  forth  by 
the  prophet  Malachi,  tinder  the  Hvely  mc-^ 
taphors  of  a  refiner  s  fire^  a  purifier  of  Jtl'ver^ 
sind  fuller  s  foap^^  with  many  other  pafTages 
of  like  import  in  holy  writ,  although  of  the 
utmoft  confeqnence  to  be  rightly  underftood, 
weightily  confidcred,  and  deeply  pondered 
by  all,  is  by  the  generality  much  overlook- 
ed, and  amazingly  neglected.  That  which 
alone  can  lay  a  fure  foundation  for  happi- 
nefs,  both  in  time  and  eternity,  is  hardly 
thought  of  by  many  with  defire,  or  even 
with  any  degree  of  lerioufnefs ;  unlefs  it  be 
to  iliun  and  evade  the  force  of  that  power^ 
which  thereby  would  feparate  them  from 
their  beloved  lufls  and  fleflily  gratifications. 
In  order  to  efFeft  this,  many  and  exceeding- 
ly abfurd  have  been  the  conje(5lu.res  and 
dreams  of  a  great  part  of  mankind ;  but  all 
to  fhun  the  crofs ;  that  corrupt  felf,  with  all 
its  feeming  rich  treafure  and  adorning, 
might  be  faved.  This  felf,  in  many,  has 
been  more  fond  of  a  religious  kind  of  orna- 
ment and  treafure,  than  thofe  of  any  other 
fort;  towards  whom  the  fubtile  transformer 
hath  not  been  Vv'anting  plentifully  to  furniih 
all  thofe  minds  who  have  a  religious  turn. 
Antichrift,  as  an  eminent  f  author  obferves, 
can  bring  forth  in  his  church  a  likenefs  or 
imitation  of  every  thing  that  is  to  be  found 

in 

*  Matt.  iii.    10,   :  i,    i:.         f  Mai.  Hi.  \,  2,  3,  4. 
\  1,  Fenington. 


«c 


of  thd  Neiv  Birth,  25 

la  Hon.  O  then !  how  greatly  it  behoves 
mankhKl  to  prefs  after  a  certainty ;  fince  no- 
thing can  poffibh/  center  the  foul  in  a  more 
deplorable  ftate,  than  a  miftake  of  this 
kind. 

•  But  fome  are  apt  to  doubt  whether  fuch 
a  thing  as  aa  infallible  evidence  of  our 
adoption  is  attainable  here ;  though  fo  fully 
aflerted  in  the  holy  fcriptures.  This  is  not 
to  be  wondered  at,  with  refpecl  to  thofe  who 
are  in  the  natural,  unrenewed  (late;  feeing 
the  natural  man,  according  to  Paul's  doc- 
trine, *'  underftandeth  not  the  things  of  the 
Spirit  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  he 
know  them,  becaufe  they  are  fpiritually 
*^  difcerned.^"  But  I  am  perfliaded  none,j 
who  have  really  experienced  the  new  birth,' 
remain  doubtful  or  fcrupulous  concerning 
this  important  truth.  It  Teems  to  me  alto- 
gether unreafon:ible  to  fuppofe  Infinite' 
Goodnefs,  who  knows  the  fallibility  and 
great  weaknefs  of  his  creature  man,  fliould 
leave  any,  v/hofe  liearts  are  fully  devoted  to 
yield  obedience  to  his  will,  in  a  ftate  liable 
to  miftake  the  fame,  or  in  any  v/ife  ignorant 
of  his  divine  approbation,  upon  a  careful 
difcharge  of  their  duty  to  him.  This  holy 
evidence  in  faithful  fouls  is  indeed  the  white 
ftone,  and  in  it  a  new  name  written^  which 
none  know  fave  tlioie  who  receive  it ;  being 
an  afTurancc  that  their  names  are  written  in- 

E  heavea^ 

^   I   Cor.  ii;   14, 


26  On  the  Nature  and  NeceJ/lty 

heaven :  from  whence  arifes  a  joy,  which^s 
unfpeakable  and  full  of  glory.  .    * 

A  fenfe  of  the  wrath  of  God  againft  evil, 
doth  often  make  deep  impreflions  upon  the 
minds  of  many ;  fo  that  they  in  painful  re-- 
morfe  are  ready  to  cry  out  for  mercy  and 
forgivenefs  of  their  fins.  And  feeing  this 
fenfibility  upon  the  mind  of  man,  that  he 
hath  difplealed  his  Creator,  neither  doth  nor 
can  proceed  from  any  thiiig  in  man,  but  the 
pure  witnefs  of  God  placed  there;  fo  it  is 
quite  reafonable  to  conclude,  that  this  di- 
vine Witnefs,  upon  our  faithfully  difcharg- 
ing  the  duty  we  owe  to  God,  according  to 
its  difcoveries,  will  imprefs  our  minds  with 
a  fweet  fenfe  of  divine  approbation,  agreea- 
\)\t  to  Rdm.  viii.  i6.  "  The  Spirit  itfelf 
*'  beareth  witnefs  with  our  fpirit,  that  we 
"  are  the  children  of  God."  With  many 
other  paffages  in  holy  writ  of  like  import. 

When  any  are  really  difpofed  to  be  reli- 
gious, great  care  iliould  be  taken  in  their 
.firll:  fetting  out.  Many  have  been  marred 
upon  the  wheel,  for  want  of  patience  to  en- 
dure proper  tempering;  endeavouring  to  be 
formed  into  veffels,  before  they  have  paiSed 
through  the  necefTary  operation.  This  has 
been  for  want  of  thoroughly  knowing  them- 
felves.  For  every  thing  that  appertains  to 
the  creaturely  will,  and  forwardnefs  of  de- 
.fire  to  choofe  and  adl  for  itfelf,  mufl  die  up- 
on the  crofs ;  therefore  there  mull  be  a  re- 
maining as  a  chaos  without  form  and  void, 

to 


of  the  New  Birth,  27 

to  endure  all  forts  of  florms  and  tempefts, 
until  the  efFedlive  Word  laith,  Let  there  be 
light!  making  by  his  own  power  a  perfec5t 
feparation  between  the  light  and  darknefs  in 
the  little  world,  (viz.  man)  as  lie  did  in  the 
great  world.  Until  this  is  really  experienc- 
ed, man  is  not  in  a  condition  to  be  placed 
upon  the  wheel,  to  be  formed  into  a  vefTel 
of  honour.  But  there  muft  be  a  time  for 
drying,  and  enduring  the  furnace. 

Thefe  wonderful  operations,  which  I 
have,  in  an  allegorical  way,  only  juft  touch- 
ed upon,  muft  neceflarily  make  very  deep  and 
lafting  impreffions  upon  all,  who  have  been 
fo  happy  as  fo  far  to  experience  the  nature 
of  that  regeneration,  without  which  none 
can  fee  the  kingdom  of  God.  When  any 
are  come  thus  far,  there  will  be  no  occafion 
to  make  ufe  of  dreams  and  uncertain  con- 
jectures in  forming  a  judgment  concerning 
their  adoption.  That  divine  birth  which  is 
raifed  in  them,  naturally  cries,  Abba,  Fa- 
ther !  leaving  them  no  room  to  doubt,  when 
he  is  pleafed  to  appear  (which  they  are 
taught  to  wait  in  the  patience  for)  of  their 
having  paffed  from  death  unto  life ;  or  being 
tranflated  from  under  the  power  of  darknefs 
into  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift ; 
which  confifteth  in  righteoufnefs,  and  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft. 

The  great  danger  of  man's  being  deceived 
lies  in  the  myfterious  workings  of  Satan, 
who  has  a  ftrong  hold  in  thofe,  who,  uport 


28  On  the  Nature  and  Kecejftty 

their  firft  awakening  by  the  call  of  Chrifl^ 
have  not  fjiffered  his  power  fo  far  to  prevail, 
as  to  make  them  willing  to  part  with  all  for 
his  fake.  There  is  fomething  exceedingly 
reluctant  in  the  ftrong  fpirit  and  will  of 
man,  to  the  falling  into  nothingnefs  of  felf, 
and  be  w^holly  given  up  to  be  guided  and 
upheld  by  another.  This  in  part  arifes  from 
the  excellency  of  his  frame,  and  nobility  of 
his'  underftanding,  who  finds  himfelf  in 
naturals  capable  of  efFe6ting  great  things, 
and  knows  not,  till  his  eyes  are  opened  and 
enlightened  from  above,  but  that  he  is 
equally  capable  of  comprehending  what  re- 
lates to  him  concerning  the  world  to  come. 
Inftead  therefore  of  wholly  ceafing  from  his 
pwn  will,  and  relying  altogether  upon  the 
gvudance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  is  very  apt 
to  be  a6live,  and  imagines  God  will  be  pleafr 
ed  vv^ith  his  diligence,  in  the  performance  of 
what  he  apprehends  to  be  religious  duties ; 
fuch  as  praying,  fmging,  preaching,  or 
eagerly  feeking  to  join  oihcrs  in  thofe  per- 
formances; often  telling  his  experiences, 
and  hearing  thofe  of  others.  Whereas  it 
would  be  abundantly  more  pleafing  to  the 
Almighty,  and  profitable  to  himfelf,  to  lay 
his  mouth ^n  the  dull,  filently  to  conunune 
w^ith  his  ovv^n  heart,  and  be  flill,  until  it 
Ihall  ])]eafe  the  Lord  to  fend  forth  his  light 
and  his  truth,  that  the  poor  ]:ielplefs  crea^ 
turc  may  move  and  ad;  in  a  religious  fenfe, 
Yfith   an   underftanding  informed  thereby: 

feeing: 


of  the  New  Birth,  29 

feeing  every  thing  that  is  done  in  religion 
and  worfhip,  widiout  the  fenfible  guidance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  is  will-worlhip  and 
idolatry  :  for  if  the  Spirit  of  Chrifl  doth  not 
move  and  aduate  us  in  religious  perfor- 
mances, we  are  liable  to  the  influences  of 
the  fpirit  of  antichrift. 

Yet  fome  perhaps,  by  way  of  excufe  for 
their  not  being  influenced  by  the  Spirit  of 
Truth  in  their  religion,  are  ready  to  call  it 
enthufiafm  and  prefumption  in  thofe  who 
afiert  the  neceffity  thereof,  feeming  to 
imagine  there  is  no  fuch  thing  in  our  time 
to  be  relied  upon ;  yet  they  will  readily  own 
it  was  fo  in  the  apoftles  days.  But  they  can 
give  no  good  reafon  why  the  fame  divine 
power  and  efficacy  fliould  forfake  the  true 
church;  fince  mankind  have  equal  ntt^ 
thereof,  and  the  nature  of  God's  difpenfa- 
tion  is  now  the  fame  as  it  w^as  then. 

Common  prudence  teacheth  us  to  examine 
ftrid:ly  into  the  clearnefs  and  vahdity  of  our 
titles  to  earthly  eftates,  that  we  may  be  fully 
fatisfied  we  are  not  deceived  or  impofed  up- 
on by  falfe  glofles  and  fpecious  pretences. 
Shall  we  be  lefs  folicitous  about  that  which  is 
of  infinitely  greater  moment;  viz.  our  title 
to  an  everlafting  inheritance?  Man  fhould 
be  very  jealovis  over  his  own  heart,  which 
is  apt  to  be  partial  towards  itfelf,  and, 
through  the  transformation  of  Satan,  to 
footh  and  flatter  him  into  an  apprehenfiotji 
that. he  is  in  the  way  to  everlafting  happi- 

nefsj 


30  On  the  Nature  and  NeceJJity 

nefs,  when  in  reality  it  is  quite  otherwife., 
But,  alas !  his  criterion  to  form  a  judgment 
of  himfelf  by,  may  be  the  fame  as  that  of 
the  Pharifee,  who  went  up  to  the  temple  to 
pray,  or  rather  to  recapitulate  his  own  fup- 
pofed  excellencies.  He  perhaps  meafures 
himfelf  by  himfelf,  or  by  comparing  his 
principles  and  conducft  in  life  with  thofe  of 
others ;  whereas  nothing  fliould  be  received 
as  a  ftandard  in  this  very  important  cafe, 
but  the  ftamp  of  divine  approbation  upon 
the  heart;  agreeable  to  Rom.  viii.  14,  15, 
16.  *^  For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit 
*'  of  God,  they  are  the  fons  of  God.  For 
**  ye  have  not  received  the  fpirit  of  bondage 
**  again  to  fear;  but  ye  have  received  the 
^^  fpirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Ab- 
*'  ba, ,  Father,  The  Spirit  itfelf  beareth 
**  witnefs  with  our  fpirit,  that  we  are  the 
"  children  of  God." 

Having  offered  a  few  hints,  by  way  of 
caution,  in  order  that  all  into  whofe  hands 
this  fliall  come  may  examine  themfelves 
without  partiality,  left  they  fall  inadvertent- 
ly into  an  irretrievable  miftake  refpedling 
the  eternal  Salvation  of  their  own  Souls,  I 
fliall  now  endeavour  to  fet  forth,  from  mine 
own  Experience,  a  little  of  the  Nature  of 
that  New  Birth,  without  which  none  can 
fee  the  Kingdom  of  God;  confequently  are 
no  true  Members  of  his  Church,  which  is 
his  Kingdom,  and  frequently  called  Hea- 
ven, and  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  in  the 

holy 


of  the  Neiv  Birth.  5 1 

holy  Scriptures.  It  cannot  therefore  be  fup- 
pofed,  that  a  perfon  wholly  unregenerate 
can  be  properly  quaUfied  for  the  performance 
of  any  religious  duty,  or  even  the  leaft  fer- 
vice  in  that  kingdom,  which  he  doth  not  fo 
much  as  fee. 

I  have,  by  experience  from  my  childhood, 
found  two  fpirits  or  feeds  ftriving  in  me  for 
maftery  or  rule:  I  have  difcovered  them  to 
be  irreconcileable  enemies  one  to  the  other ; 
and  that  I  could  not  ferve  them  both  at  the 
fame  time.     I  had  an  underflanding  given 
me,  whereby  I  knew  one  of  thofe  feeds  was 
a  meafure  of  the  All-powerful  Inexhauftible 
Source  of  Goodnefs;  and  the  other,  which 
had  indeed  in  a  manner  leavened  the  whole, 
lump,  was  of  a  wicked  and  diabolical  na- 
ture.    By  means  of  this  corrupt  leaven,  I 
had  a  ftrong  bias  to  evil  of  many  kinds; 
neverthelefs,  I  often  found  the  good  ftriking 
at  the  evil,  as  an  ax  laid  to  the  root  thereof, 
agreeable  to  Matt.  iii.  10.  in  order  to  deftroy 
that  which  deprived  the  Heir  of  all  things 
of  his  inheritance.     I  was  long  in  a  kind  of 
fufpence,    unrefolved  which  to  join  with; 
yet  faw  all  depended  upon  my  determinati- 
on,   and  that  I  had  full  power  of  ciioice. 
On  the  one  hand,  when  the  awakening  vifi- 
tations  of  God's  Spirit  were  upon  me,    it 
appeared  very  dreadful  to  provoke  an  Om- 
nipotent Being,  of  unmerited  kindnefs  and 
mercy,  to  caft  my  foul  into  everlafting  per- 
dition.    On  the  other  hand,  efpeci^lly  when 

thole 


3 '2  On  the  Is ci hire  and  Necejfity 

thofe  blefFed  impreflions  were  fbmewhat 
worn  off,  it  was  next  to  death  itfelf  to  yield 
up  all  nry  fenllial  gratifications,  and  to  ex-' 
pofe  my  lei  f  to  the  fcorn  and  contempt  of 
the  world.  However,  in  procefs  of  time^ 
the  Lord  in  gracious  condefcenfion  broke  in 
upon  my  foul,  by  his  judgments  mixed 
with  mercy,  in  fuch  a  powerful  manner,  as 
that  I  was  made  willing  to  yield  up  there- 
unto, come  life  or  death.  For  indeed  I 
looked  for  nothing  elfe  at  that  time,  but 
really  expecfted  my  frail  body  would  fink 
down  under  the  weight  of  that  unfpeakable 
diftrefs  which  was  upon  me,  and  that  my 
finful  fovil  muft  be  centered  in  a  ftate  of 
everlafting  mifery.  Now  the  cry  was,  with 
Saul,  afterwards  Paul,  with  trembling  and 
aftoniihmcnt,  '^  Lord!  what  wilt  thou  have 
**  me  to  do?*"  There  was  no  holding  back, 
or  fecret  referve  then,'  but  whatever  was 
called  for  was  given  up  with  all  readinefs : 
this  being  all  I  could  then  do.  As  to  per- 
forming religious  duties,  I  had  them  all  to 
learn,  though  I  had  been  trained  vip  from 
my  infancy  in  a  jfl:ri6l  religious  way  by  god- 
ly parents.  But  the  very  beft  outward  helps, 
and  the  moft  confiftent  fet  of  religious  prin- 
ciples, only  profeffed,  cannot  at  all  enrich 
the  foul  with  heavenly  grace. 

By  carefully  inquiring  as  above,  I  fbon 
clearly  perceived  my  bufinefs  was  to  watch 
and   pray   continually;    to  commune  with 

mine 

*  Aas  ix.  6. 


of  the  Neiv  Birtb.  3^ 

mine  own  heart,  or  the  Witnefs  of  God 
therein,  that  I  might  receive  frelh  inftrudli- 
pn  and  help  as  I  had  need.  Self-denial,  and 
taking  up  the  crofs  daily,  was  to  be  my 
conftant  employ;  in  the  doing  whereof  I 
had  much  inward  peace  and  comfort,  and  a 
well-grounded  hope  that  I  fliould  thereby 
find,  in  the  Lord's  time,  the  body  of  fin 
fo  weakened,  as  that  the  yoke  of  Chrift 
would  become  eafy,  and  his  burden  light* 

In  order  to  a  happy  progrefs  in  the  life  of 
religion,  the  great  thing  is,  by  abiding  ia 
the  Divine  Light,  to  preferve  a  clear  and 
diftinguilhing  fenfibility  between  the  fleftx 
and  the  Spirit.  There  is  no  doing  this  with- 
out great  care  and  Heady  attention  of  mind 
upon  the  Divine  Gift.  If  the  eye  goes  from 
this,  it  is  blinded  by  the  darknefs ;  then  the 
man  is  liable  to  be  milled  by  a  counterfeit 
fight,  and  various  refemblances,  which  Sa- 
tan will  caft  in  his  way  for  guidance  and 
inftrudlion,  perfuading  him  all  is  well  and 
right.  To  be  fo  milled,  and  therein  efta- 
blifhed,  is  a  truly  deplorable  ftatej  it  being 
very  unlikely  fuch  fhould  ever  be  perfuaded 
to  believe  they  are  miftaken,  as  they  often 
deride  whatever  appears  doubtful  concern- 
ing their  religion  and  worfiiip.  This  was 
evidently  the  cafe  with  a  fet  of  profeflbrs  of 
uncommon  outward  fan6lity  and  puncflual 
exadlnefs  in  the  exteriors  of  their  religion, 
in  the  time  of  our  Saviour's  perfbnal  appear- 
ance upon  earth;     notwiihftanding  which, 

F  thefe 


;^4  On  the  Natufe  and  Neceffity 

thefe  very  people  appeared  to  be  the  moil 
inveterate  enemies  he  had  amongft  mankind. 
Seeing  therefore  frail  mortals  are  liable  ta 
illch  dangerous  miftakes,  how  exceedingly 
circmiifpecfl  and  watchful  ought  all  to  be! 
and  what  frequent  and  ftricl  fcrutinies 
ought  they  to  make  into  the  ftate  of  their 
own  hearts!  which  can  be  known  no  Qther^ 
wife  by  any,  but  as  the  Lord  is  pleafed  to 
fend  forth  his  heart-fearching  light.  This 
is  a  high  favour,  which  none  receive  but 
thofe  who  are  turned  from  the  darknefs,  and 
are  fervently  concerned  to  put  away  all  the;^ 
works  thereof.  Very  grofs  is  the  deception 
of  thole,  who  imagine  the  w^ork  of  their 
converfion  to  be  an  inftantaneous  work. 
This  can  be  nothing  elfe  but  a  delufion  of 
Satan,  to  fettle  people  at  reft  in  a  ftate  of 
felf-fecurity  as  foon  as  he  can.  Oh!  what  a 
length  of  time  it  takes,  to  work  out  that  re- 
bellious, ftiff-necked,  backfliding  nature, 
which  was  born  in  Egypt,  before  the  new 
generation  is  raifed  up,  that  is  fit  to  enter 
the  promifed  land! 

From  what  is  before  hinted,  it  may  be 
underftood^  that  the  Good  Seed,  or  Heaven- 
ly Principle,  arifing  into  afcendency  in  us 
over  the  evil  feed  or  principle,  and  leavening 
the  three  mcafures  of  meal  into  its  own  na- 
ture, is  eflentially  a  being  born  again,  or 
with  water  and  the  Spirit,  or  being  baptized 
with  the  Holy  Ghoft  and  fire ;  or  man's  en- 
during the  operation  of  the  refiner's  fire, 

fuller's 


of  the  New  B'aS.  35- 

fulier's  foap,  ^nd  being  purified  as  filver; 
all  which  metaphors  fignify  to  us,  in  a  very 
inftrudtive  manner,  the  different  operations 
of  the  Holy  Spirit;  which  is  to  the  willing 
foul  fometimes  as  water,  to  wafh  and  bathe 
in,  and  alfo  to  drink  of  freely;  at  other 
times  as  a  refiner'§  fire,  to  purge  away  the 
filth  ^nd  drofs,  that  man  may  be  as  pure  . 
gold,  prepared  to  receive  the  image  and  fu- 
perfcription  of  the  King  of  Heaven;  that 
lb,  where-ever  he  goes,  or  whatever  he  doth, 
all  who  have  their  eyes  opened  may  fee 
whofe  fubje£l  he  is. 

It  is. very  obfervable,  that  the  prophet 
Malachi,  '  when  he  had  elegantly  fet  forth 
the  nature  of  the  new  birth,  breaks  out  iu 
the  fourth  verfe  of  the  third  chapter  on  this 
wife:  ''  Then  fliall  the  offerings  of  Judah 
^'  and  Jerufalem  be  pleafant  unto  the  Lord, 
^'  as  in  the  days  of  old,  and  aj?  in  former 
♦^  years;"  which  clearly  implies  man  s  un- 
acceptable ftate  with  his  Maker  in  any  reli- 
gious performances,  until  he  hath  pi-eviouily 
.known  the  cleanfing  and  refining  operations 
before-mentioned.  What  then  will  become 
of  tliofe  who  have  intruded  thenifelves  into 
religious  fervices,  and  ^mongft  his.  faithful 
followers,  not  having  on  the  wedding-gar- 
ment! who  would  pafs  for  his  people,  yet 
cannot  find,  by  exapciining  the  ftate  of  their 
minds  refpeding  religion,  that  they  have 
trod  the  path  of  regeneration,  nor  paffed 
through  the  many  and  various  pangs  of  thq 
WW  birtt,  '  Whcu 


^6  On  the  Watiire  and  Necefftty 

When  man  hath,  through  the  powerful 
prevalence  of  the  Divine  Principle,  obtained 
vidlory  in  a  good  degree  over  evil,  his  foul 
abounds  with  evidence  and  tokens  of  his 
happy  attainments,  through  the  Lord  Jefus 
Chrift;  to  whom  with  tl-ie  Father,  through 
the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  praife, 
adoration,  and  thankfgiving,  are  offered  up 
as  incenfe  with  acceptance;  he  enjoys  an 
abundant  flow  of  heavenly  love,  to  thofe 
efpecially  of  the  fame  lineage,  begotten  of 
the  fame  Everlafting  Father,  agreeable  to 
1  John  iii.  14.  ''  We  know  that  we  have 
*'  pafl^bd  from  death  unto  life,  becaufe  we 
•'  Ipve  the  brethren/*  It  is  then  become  as 
his  meat  and  drink  to  do  the  wall  of  God ; ' 
he  looks  with  indifference  upon  worldly  en- ' 
joyment,  when  compared  with  religion  and 
the  weighty  concerns  thereof;  his  body, 
foul,  and  outward  fubfl:ance  are  oflTered  up 
to  the  Great  Giver;  being  given  up  to  fpend 
and  to  be  fpent  for  the  promotion  of  truth, 
according  to  the  degree  of  its  requirings ; 
careful  that  all  he  doth  may  tend  to  God's 
glory.  Thefe  particulars,  and  much  more 
than  I  can  fet  forth,  ye  done  from  the  mature 
refult  of  a  well-informed  underftanding  and 
found  judgment,  which  cannot  fail  of  pro- 
ducing great  peace  and  heavenly  folace, 
whereby  he  is  mightily  encouraged  to  per- 
severe. 

Oh!  that  mankind  would  but  come  clear- 
ly to  fee  the  neceffity  of  beginning  in  the 

Spirit, 


of  the  New  Blrflj.  37 

Spirit,  and  walking  therein,  agreeable  to 
the  advice  and  praiflice  of  the  primitive 
Chriftians!  then  they  would  not  fulfil  the 
lufts  of  the  flefli.  The  fpirit  that  luftetlj  to 
envy,  and  feeks  vengeance,  would  be  {lain. 
Here  outward  wars  and  fightings  would 
ceafe  of  courfe ;  the  caufe  being  taken  away^ 
the  effed:  would  be  no  nnore.  A  felfiih 
covetous  fpirit,  which  feeks  undue  advan- 
tage to  the  injury  of  others,  would  be  purg- 
ed out.  Here  we  fhould  have  power  to  love 
our  neighbours  as  ourfelves,  and  to  do  unto 
all  as  we  would  be  done  unto,  were  we  in- 
their  fituation.  All  thefe,  and  many  more 
good  fruits,  would  fpring  up  naturally  from 
the  new  creation  in  Chrift  Jefus  our  Lord. 
But  thofe  who  have  not  the  ground-work  in 
themfelves,  and  lack  the  virtues  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  which  are  fet  forth  in  the  fcriptures 
of  truth,  are  blind,  and  cannot  fee  that  it  is 
poflible  to  attain  thofe  exalted  Chriftian  vir- 
tues now  as  it  was  in  the  apoflles  days :  and 
therefore  imaginations,  dreams,  and  con- 
jedlures  abound  amongft  outfide  Chriftians 
(who  are  numerous)  concerning  the  way  and 
means  of  obtaining  that  falvation  which 
come.s  only  by  being  born  fi'om  above. 
Some  fay,  Lo !  here  is  Chrift  \  Others  iky, 
Lo!  he  is  there!  but  ftill  evade  the  crois. 
If  that  did  not  flick  in  the  way,  they  would 
furely  embrace  the  right  thing,  as  it  is  fo 
fully  fet  forth  and  defcribed  in  the  holy 
fcriptures. 

The 


38  07t  the  Nature  and  Neaiffity 

The    teftimonies    thereof  have  enforced, 
however,  an  affent  to  the  truth  of  the  doc*- 
•trine  of  the  new  birth,  both  in  Papifts  and 
Proteftants.     But  alas!  their  apprehenfions 
<:oncerning  i£s  nature  are  exceedingly  obfcure 
;and  carnal,   making  the  fprinkling  of  in- 
fants with   a  little  water   (which  they  call 
baptifm)  efTential  thereunto ;  nay,  the  man- 
ner of  their  exprefling  themfelvea  on  this 
fubje^,    in  the  confeffion  of  their  faith  to 
the   world,    feems  in   my   apprehenfion  to 
make  that  ceremony  all,  or  the  chief  that  is 
intended  by  being  born  from  above ;  or  that 
the  operations  of  the  Spirit  for  that  end  are 
infallibly  conne6led  to  the  operation  of  wa- 
ter.    Papifts  fay,    *'   We  muft  believe  that 
**  Jefus  Chrift  has  inftituted  in  his  church 
feven  facraments,  or  myfterious  figns  and 
inftrumental  caufes  of  divine  grace  in  the 
foul:    baptifm,    by  way  of  a  new  birth, 
by  which  we  are  made  children  of  God, 
*'  and  wafhed  from  fin:  confirmation,  by 
*'  which  we  receive  the  Holy  Ghoft  by  the 
**  impofition  of  the  hands  of  the  fucceflbrs 
*'  of   the  apoftles,    &c.*''      The  Proteftant 
Church  of  England  faith,  in  confefllng  their 
faith  to  the  world,    "  In  my  baptifm  (they 
*'  mean  fprinkling  infants)  wherein  1  was 
*'  made  a  member  of  Chrift,  the  child  of 
*'  God,  and  an  inheritor  of  the  kingdom  of 
*'  heaven."     After  an  infant  is  fprinkled, 
the  prieft  fays,  "  Seeing  now,  diparly  belov- 

*  Popifli  Manual  of  Spiritual  Exercifes,  page  4. 


of  the  New  Birth.  3^ 

**  ed  brethren,  that  this  child  is  by  baptifm 
*'  regenerate  and  grafted  into  the  body  of 
"  Chrift's  church,  let  vis  give  thanks,  &c/* 
And  again,  "  We  yield  thee  mofl  hearty 
**'  thanks,  moft  merciful  Father,  that  ic 
*'  hath  pleafed  thee  to  regenerate  this  infant 
*'  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  receive  him  for 
"  thy  own  child  by  adoption,  and  to  incor- 
"  porate  him  into  thy  holy  church,  &c.*" 

From  thefe  evafions  it  appears  man  hates 
death  to  felf,  and  had  rather  look  any  way 
than  that  which  is  likely  to  ftrip  him  of  all 
his  beloved  treafure;  though  if  he  was  not 
very  blind  and  ignorant  concerning  his  true 
intereft,  he  would  eafily  fee  that  his  fuppof-* 
ed  lofs  would  make  way  for  his  greateft  gain* 
However,  this  unhappy  reludance  in  man 
to  the  true  way,  has  put  him  upon  ftrain- 
ing  his  invention,  to  find  an  eafiet  way  to 
the  kingdom  of  felicity,  of  becoming  heir 
of  two  kingdoms;  of  ferving  God  and 
mammon,  though  we  are  aflured  that  is 
impoffible.  Many  would  fain  imagine,  that 
man  may  be  faved  merely  by  the  imputation 
of  Chrift's  righteoufnefs ;  which,  if  it  were 
true,  would  be  a  mighty  palatable  dodrine 
to  a  mviltitude  of  felf-lovers.  ^  Some,  who 
do  not  fall  in  with  this  opinion,  but  believe 
they  muft  repent,  and  that  th'ey  ovight  to 
experience  the  evil  purged  out  by  the  fpirir 
of  judgment  and  burning,  do  yet  put  off 
this  great  work,  refting  with  a  kind  of  hope 

tha^ 
*  Catechifm  and  Public  Baptifm, 


40  '        On  the  Nature  and  NeCefftty 

that  they  Ihall  be  fitted  for  everlafting  hap- 
pinefs  thereby  fome  time  before  they  gd 
hence;  and  build  much  upon  the  great  mer- 
cy and  long-fuffering  of  the  Almighty, 
catching  eagerly  at  the  fudden  converfion  of 
Paul,  and  of  the  thief  upon  the  crofs.  Oh  1 
how  exceeding  inconfiderate  are  fuch  delays ! 
A  faying  of  Chryfoftom  is  worthy  to  be 
noted,  viz.  "  God  promifes  mercy  to  peni- 
*'  tent  finners,  but  he  doth  not  promifc 
*'  them,  that  they  fhall  have  fo  much  time 
*'  as  to-morrow  for  their  repentance!" 
Others  there  be,  who  imagine  converfion  is 
effedled  in  an  inftant;  and  in  order  that  their 
deception  may  be  effectual,  the  falfe  prophet 
caufes  fire  to  come  down  as  from  heaven  in 
their  fight ;  he  chat  is  prince  in  the  airy  re- 
gion>  raiies  vehement  heats  and  agitations 
upon  their  palTions.  This  they  call  the 
workings  of  the  Spirit  upon  them  for  their 
converfion ;  immediately  after  which  a  kind 
of  heaven  is  formed,  wherein  they  take  their 
tefl  with  a  leeming  fecurity,  erroneoufly 
fuppofing  their  calling  and  eleclion  are  made 
iurcj  and  that  they  can  never  fall  from  fav-- 
ing  grace,  which  they  doubt  not  of  having 
in  their  poireffion.  Oh!  how  dangerous  is 
iiich  a  fecurity! 

Much  more  might  be  written  concerning 
the  many  falfe  rells  and  vifionary  heavens 
which  poor  mortals,  through  the  liibtlety  of 
Satan,  and  their  own  inattention,  are  de- 
luded to  repofe  themfelves  in  5  which  might 

all 


of  the  New  Birth.  41 

all  be  happily  prevented,  were  they  to  enter 
into  the  iheepfold  by  Chrift,  the  door  and 
way  to  the  everlafting  kingdom,  which  is 
opened  and  prepared  for  the  foul  to  travel  in, 
by  his  inward  appearance,  as  before  noted. 
He  will  certainly  count  all  thieves  and  rob- 
bers, who  come  into  his  church  any  other 
way. 

What  abundance  of  robbery  is  found  in 
thee  O  Chriftendom ! .  what  ftealing  the 
name  of  Chrift,  and  the  experience  of  God's 
people  formerly,  to  live  upon,  and  alfo  to 
feed  one  another  with  1  Oh,  what  multitudes 
there  are  of  unwholefome  barren  paftors, 
and  poor,  lean,  ftarved  flocks,  amongft 
moft  or  all  focieties  of  Chriftian  profeffors ! 
Their  poor  low  condition,  as  to  religion, 
induces  them  to  put  forth  theit-  hands  and 
fteal.  Can  the  God  of  juftice  and  truth  de- 
light in  robbery  for  burnt-offerings?  No; 
fuch  facrifices  are  an  abomination  to  him. 
His  regenerate  ones,  though  often  tried  with 
great  poverty  of  fpirit,  dare  not  fteal; 
knowing  nothing  will  find  acceptance  with 
the  Source  of  Infinite  Goodnefs,  but  that 
which  is  of  his  own  immediate  begetting. 
He  will  fmell  a  fweet  favour  from  that,  al- 
though it  be  but  a  figh  or  a  groan ;  which 
may  be  compared  with  the  acceptable  offer- 
ing of  the  poor  under  the  law,  of  a  pair  of 
turtle  doves,  or  two  young  pigeons;  and 
with  the  widow's  two  mites  caft  into  the 

treafury, 
G 


4^^  On  the  Nature  and  Necejfity 

treafuiy,  taken  notice  of  by  our  Lord/^ 
Thofe  poor  humble  dependant  ones,  who 
are  made  perfectly  honeft  by  the  juft  and 
upright  principle  prevailing  in  them,  and 
waiting  the  Lord's  time,  may  be,  and  often 
are  furnilhed  with  larger  offerings,  and  do 
greatly  increafe  with  the  increafe  of  God. 

To  conclude  this  head,  I  fliall  thus  funi 
up  the  matter,  viz.  that  man's  great  bufi- 
nefs,  upon  his  firft  awakening  out  of  the 
ileep  or  ftupefa6lion  of  fin,  is  paffively  to 
yield  himfelf  into  the  hands  of  his  faithful 
Creator,  that  he  may  be  pleafed  to  work  in 
and  upon  him,  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  own 
good  pleafure.  His  foul  muft,  with  the  ut- 
moft  care,  endeavour  to  abide  in  that  which 
enables  incefTantly  to  pray,  ''  Thy  kingdom 
*'  come,  and  thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as 
"  it  is  done  in  heaven."  This  bent  of  heart, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  is  a  fufficient 
guard  or  defence  againft  all  the  fubtle  at- 
tempts of  Satan  to  begviile  and  deceive,  and 
nothing  elfe.  The  moft  crafty  devices  of 
the  adverfary  can  never  prevail  to  pluck  fuch 
an  one  out  of  the  Almighty's  hands ;  and 
by  abiding  therein,  he  is  created  anew  in 
Chrift  Jefus  unto  good  works,  having  fpirit- 
ual  fenfes  given,  that  he  may  continually 
exercife  them  in  difcerning  between  good 
and  evil.  His  heart  being  made  pure  in  a 
good  degree  by  the  fprinkling  of  the  mod 
precious  blood  of  Chrift,   his  conftant  care 

is, 
*  Mark  xii.  42  ta  th«  end. 


of  the  Neiv  Birth,  43 

is,  through  Divine  affiftance,  to  preferve  it 
fo,  that  he  may  be  pleafed  to  tabernacle  with 
him,  on  whom  help  is  laid;  who  is  made 
of  God,  to  fuch  paffive  upright  fouls,  their 
wifdom,  righteoufnefs,  fandtification,  and 
redemption.  They  receive  from  him  thole 
qualifications,  which  enable  them  to  co- 
work  with  the  Spirit,  and  perfecftly  to  un- 
derftand  the  proper  bufinefs  of  their  day, 
both  in  the  world  as  ftrangers  and  pilgrims, 
and  in  :he  church  of  Chrift,  as  living  mem- 
bers thereof. 


CHAPTER     III. 

Relating  to  the  Nature  of  True  Wor- 
ship; with  fome  Remarks  on  the  State 
of  our  fociety,  both  as  in  early  Times, 
and  now. 

TH  E  nature  of  acceptable  worfliip  is  fet 
forth  by  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus 
Chrift,  in  a  manner  wonderfully  adapted  to 
the  fubjed;;  viz.  that  it  is  to  be  performed 
in  Sprit  and  in  Truth.^  The  reafon  is  given, 
Becaufe  God  is  a  Spirit ;"  and  therefore, 
they  that  worfhip  him,  muft  worfliip 
him  in  Spirit  and  in  Truth. f"  Not  in 
the  ceremonial,  fhadowy,  and  typical  wor- 
iliip  of  the  Jews ;  (tho'  becaufe  of  weaknefs 

•   it 

f  Joha  iv.  23.— t  Verfe  24^^. 


(( 


i4 


44        On  the  Nature  of  True  WorJJvip. 

it  was  difpenfed  to  them,  until  a  better 
hope,  and  more  excellent  woi  fliip  was  brought 
in ;  whereby  man  has  a  nearer  accefs  to  the 
Divinity,  and  a  better  knowledge  of  himfelf : 
here  fuch  a  brightnefs  of  heavenly  glory  ap- 
pears, as  caufeth  all  figns,  figures,  and 
types,  to  vanifli  away)  but  in  the  truth  and 
real  fubftance  of  all  that  was  typified  and 
prefigured  by  the  ceremonial  law  of  Mofes, 
the  righteoufnefs  of  that  law  being  fulfilled 
in  thofe  who  walk  and  worlliip  in  the  Spirits 

The  foul  mud  bow  in  perfect  fincerity, 
humble  proflration,  and  a  deep  inward  fenfe 
of  its  own  frailty,  want,  and  unworthinefs; 
being  at  the  fame  time  deeply  impreffed  with 
a  lively  fenfe  of  the  Lord's  adorable  great- 
nefs  and  goodnefs;  from  which  fenfibility 
renewed  upon  the  mind,  by  Him  alone  who 
is  the  fole  objedl  of  worlhip,  thankfgiving 
and  praifes  afcend,  for  the  multitude  of  his 
mercies  received,  and  reverent  prayer,  either 
mental  or  vocal  (according  as  the  mind  feels 
itfelf  influenced  or  directed  by  the  Holy 
Anointing)  for  the  continuance  of  his  gra- 
cious prefervation  in  the  way  of  righteouf- 
nefs; agreeable  to  Eph.  vi.  i8.  "  Praying 
"  always  v/ith  all  fupplication  in  the  Spirit, 
^'  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perfeve- 
*^  ranee,  and  fupplication  for  all  faints." 

It  is  clearly  to  be  uuderftood,  by  what 
our  Lord  faid  to  the  woman  of  Samaria  be- 
fore-mentioned, that  acceptable  worfhip  is 
pot  to  be  confined  to  any  particular  place, 

mode. 


On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip.        45 

mode,     form,      or    ceremony    whatfoever; 
which  was   a  deceptiou   mankind   had  too 
generally  fallen  into,  and  greatly  wanted  to 
be  drawn  from,,  being  then,  as  well  as  now, 
too  apt  to  reft  fatisfied  with  exterior  per- 
formances ;  which  altho'  fome  of  them  once 
were  to  the  Jews  in  oondefcenfion  difpenfed, 
yet  not  even  then  fubftituted  in  the  place  of 
fpiritual  worfhip,  nor  at  all  acceptable  with- 
out the  bowing  of  the  foul  as  above.     But 
now  our  Lord  fliews  the  outward  was  to  be 
laid   afide,  and  not  to  continue  in  his  glori- 
ous   fpiritual    difpenfation    any    longer ;     a 
dangerous  fnare  for  man  to  pleafe  himfelf 
with  and  reft  in.     But  it  could  hardly  be 
expedled  that  fo  much,  or  fo  great  a  mafs  of 
outward  obfervations  could  be  caft  off  all  at 
once;    yet  in  the  apoftles  days  the  church 
was  wonderfully  (for  the  time)  brought  out 
of  them,    as  appears   by  thofe  few  things 
laid   upon   the   Gentiles.*      But   alas !    the 
Chriftian  church  (fo  called)  inftead  of  leav- 
ing   all,    and   becoming    purely    fpiritual, 
gradually  decayed  as  to  life  and  power,  and 
increafed  in  ceremonies  and  outward  obfer- 
vations, until  :Qie  became  as  full  of  them  as 
ever  the  Jewifh  church  was.     Then  flie  got 
full  pofFellion  of  the  outward  court,  having 
nothing  to  enjoy  but  her  own  inventions, 
and   to   glory  in  Babylon,    which  fhe  had 
built  inftead   of  Sion,    until  her  meafure 

Ihould 

*  Aas  XV. 


46        On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip, 

fhould  be   filled  up,    and  her  determined 
overthrow  was  to  take  place. 

Paul  faith  to  the  Philippians,  *'  For  we 
*'  are  the  circumcifion  which  worfhip  God 
**  in  Spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Chrift  Jefus,  and 
*'  have  no  confidence  in  the  flefh.*"  What 
circumcifion  is  here  intended,  appears  from 
Rom.  ii.  28,  29.  Col.  ii.  11.  That  the  ge- 
nerality of  Chriftian  profeflTors,  of  every 
denomination,  have  lamentably  deviated 
from  this  kind  of  worfhip,  requires  not 
much  penetration  to  difcover.  And  tho'  the 
great  Author  of  the  Chriflian  religion  hath 
fo  fully  exprefTed  his  will  and  pleafiire  in 
this  mofh  important  point,  yet  many  will 
not  be  fatisfied  without  a  kind  of  worfliip 
that  the  man's  part  can  be  adlive  in ;  that 
hath  fomething  in  it  capable  to  amufe  the 
outward  fenfes :  they  would  yet  worfhip  the 
Moft  High  with  human  abilities,  or  the 
work  of  men's  hands;  and  by  an  unjuflifia- 
ble  veneration,  which  fome  endeavour  to 
keep  up  for  old  mafs  houfes,  and  other 
places  of  worfhip,  calling  them  churches, 
houfes  of  God,  holy  places,  &c.  they  feem 
to  maintain  a  dodlrine  contrary  to  the  tefti- 
mony  of  that  holy  martyr  Stephen ;  "  How- 
"  beit  the  Moft  High  dwelleth  not  in  tem- 
*'  pies  made  with  hands,  as  faith  the  pro- 
*'  phet;t"  and  that  of  the  great  apoftle  of 
the  Gentiles:  "  God  that  made  the  world, 
*'  and  all  things  therein,  feeing  that  he  is 

*'  Lord 

*  Chap.  iii.  3.  t  Aas  vli.  48. 


On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjlnp.        47 

'  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not 
'  in  temples  made  with  hands;  neither  is 
'  worlhipped  with  men's  hands,  as  tho'  he 
'  needed  any  thing,  feeing  he  giveth  to  all 
'  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things.*" 

Moft  Proteftants,  tho'  they  have  caft  off 
much  of  the  Romifh  fuperftition,  ftill  retain 
fome  outward  ceremonies  and  obfervations 
very  unfuitable  to  the  fpirituality  of  the  gof- 
pel  difpenfation,  for  which  they  have  no 
divine  authority,  nor  any  colour  of  warrant, 
but  what  is  patched  up  from  the  example  of 
fome  in  the  primitive  church;  which  being 
then  juft  arifing  out  of  a  load  of  ceremonies, 
could  not  be  wholly  weaned  from  every 
thing  of  that  kind  at  once;  and  therefore 
feveral  of  thefe  things  were  for  a  time  con- 
defcended  unto;  it  being,  tho'  a  very  glori- 
ous beginning,  but  the  morning  of  the  gof- 
pel-day,  and  infancy  of  the  Chriftian  church, 
Ihe  wonderfully  abounded  with  heavenly 
power,  in  order  to  make  her  way  in  the 
world.  Yet,  by  the  rifing  higher  and  high- 
er of  the  Sun  of  Righteoufnefs,  who  rules 
the  everlafting  day  of  God's  falvation,  fhe 
was  to  put  on  all  her  beautiful  garments ;  to 
make  herfelf  quite  ready  for  the  bride- 
groom, and,  by  a  gradual  increafe  of  clear 
difcoveries,  was  to  grow  into  maturity  of 
wifdom,  and  ripenefs  of  judgment.  Our 
Lord  clearly  intimates  the  great  danger  of 
tacking  any  thing  of  the  old  ceremonial  dif- 
penfation 
*  A^s  xvii,  24,  2%^ 


.48         On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip. 

penfadon  to  the  new  gofpel  difpenfatlon  ;* 
iliewing  they  would  by  no  means  agree, 
or  fafely  fubfift  together.  This  the  experi- 
ence of  many  generations  can  fully  declare. 
Oh!  what  rents,  fchifms,  and  tearing  of 
the  pure  undefiled  religion  of  Chriit  to 
pieces,  have  there  been  by  means  of  retain- 
ing fome  patches  of  the  old  garment! 

Yet  there  hath  been  a  godly  travail,  and 
an  ardent  labour  preferved,  even  through 
the  darkeft  ages  of  fuperftition  and  idolatry, 
by  the  true  church,  tho'  hidden  from  carnal 
eyes,  as  in  a  wildernefs,  that  ihe  might  caft 
off  this  heavy  eclipfing  mafs  of  outward 
obfervations :  there  were  many  rifings  up, 
through  the  divine  power,  againft  it,  efpe- 
cially  the  groiTeft  part  thereof ;  but  the  moft 
extraordinary,  as  to  its  confiftency  with  the 
unmixed  purity  of  the  gofpel,  was  about 
the  middle  of  the  laft  century.  Then  evan- 
gelical light  and  truth  appeared,  without 
the  blendings  of  ceremonies  and  outward 
obfervations.  When  the  Lord,  by  his  over- 
ruling power,  had  eredled  this  bleflfed  (land- 
ard  of  fimple  truth,  and  pure  righteoufnefs, 
many  thoufands  flocked  to  it,  and  fpoke  the 
language,  in  a  confiderable  decree,  fet  forth 
^y  way  of  inquiry.  Cant.  vi.  10.  *'  Who  is 
^'  flie!  that  looketh  forth  as  the  morning, 
"  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the  fun,  and 
**  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners  ?"  Ter- 
rible indeed  they  were  to  the  man  of  fin, 

the 

*  Matt.  ix.  16,  17. 


On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip,        49 

the  fon  of  perdition,  and  were  mighty  in- 
ftruments  in  the  Lord's  hand  to  reveal  him. 
A  great  annoyance  they  were  to  the  mer- 
chants of  Babylon,  and  thofe  who  enriched 
themfelves  by  the  fuperftitious  wares  there- 
of; which,  through  the  wicchciraft  and  en- 
chantments of  the  great  whore  and  her 
daughters,  mankind  were  deluded  to  buy  o£ 
them;  tho'  now  the  wicked  craft  is  much 
more  feen  in  all  its  transformations,  than  it 
was  at  their  firft  riling. 

They  endured  a  great  fight  of  afHi(5lion; 
but  through  all,  they  with  patient  but  un- 
daunted firmnefs  maintained  their  ground, 
and  were  made  vi(ftorious  through  fuffer- 
ings,  as  the  Captain  of  their  falvation  was/ 
The  everlafting  gofpel  was  preached  by  thenx 
in  great  demonftration  of  the  Spirit,  and 
with  power ;  in  fum  and  fubilance  as  it  was 
to  be  preached  after  the  apoftafy:  "  Fear 
God,  and  give  g'ory  to  him;  for  the  hour 
of  his  judgment  is  come:  and  worfhip 
him  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  the 
fea,  and  the  founcains  of  water.*" 
This  was  indeed  coming  to  the  fubftance, 
after  men  had  wearied  themfelves  with 
abundance  of  toil  in  vain,  catching  nothing, 
but  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit.  If  any 
would  receive  this  gofpel,  thus  preached  ac- 
cording to  the  true  intent  and  meaning 
thereof,    there   was   no  room  to  evade  the 

H  crofs 

•'   Rev,  xlv,  7. 


<c 


(( 


,Jq        Ofi  the  N^ature  of  Tfiie  Worffjip. 

crofs  of  Ghrift,  which  is  the  power  of  God 
to  falvation.  There  is  no  Hberty  here  to  re-^ 
tain  a  few  ceremonies  for  decency's  fake, 
and  to  invite  the  Papifts  over,  as  pretended 
1by  Protefiants ;  but  all  are  to  embrace  the 
fubftance,  not  daring  any  more  to  touch  the 
beggarly  elements,  fo  much  proftituted  and 
defiled  during  the  whole  night  of  apoftafy. 
The  virgin  daughter  of  Sion  is  well  aflured 
the  bridegroom  of  her  foul  will  never  more 
appear  to  her  in  thefe  uncertain  polluted 
things,  which  have  been,  and  yet  will  be, 
more  and  more  terribly  fhaken,  and  pais 
away  as  a  fcroll ;  that  thofe  things  tvhich 
can  never  be  fliaken  may  remain,  agreeable 
to  Rev.  xxi.  I.  ''  And  I  faw  a  new  heaven, 
"  and  a  new  earth;  for  the  firft  heaven  and 
*^  the  firft  earth  were  pafled  away;  and 
"  there  was  no  mare  fea."  There  ijuas  no 
more  fea;  nothing  unftable,  fluctuating, 
and  tmcertain;  nothing  of  that  element 
from  which  the  beaft  arifeth,  and  therefore 
no  danger  of  a  beaft  rifing  thence  any  more. 
The  2d,  3d  and  4th  verfes  of  the  fame 
chapter  wonderfully  fet  forth  the  glory  of 
the  Neiv  'Jerufalem  coming  down  from  above, 
the  tabernacle  of  God  being  with  men,  and 
God's  dwelling  with  them;  of  his  wiping 
away  all  tears  from  their  eyes ;  and  that  there 
ihall  be  no  more  crying,  forrow,  and  pain, 
becaufe  the  former  things  were  pafled  away ; 
viz.  there  was  no  more  fea;  all  is  purged 
,away  which  was  the  caufe  of  thofe  dreadful 

calamities 


On  the  Nature  of  True  Worfhip.        51 

calamities  and  miferies  fet  forth  in  this  Di- 
vine Revelation,  by  opening  the  {tvtYi  feals, 
founding  the  feyen  trumpets,  and  pouring 
out  the  feven  vials  full  of  the  wrath  of  God, 
who  liveth  for  ever  and  ever.  The  fifth 
verfe  faith,  *^  And  be  that  fat  upon  the 
*'  throne  faid,  Behold,  I  will  make  all  things 
•'  new!"  Now  there  is  nothing  of  the  old 
garment,  nor  old  wine  left,  to  tear  and 
break  to  pieces  the  new  garment,  and  the 
new  bottles.  Oh!  glorious  gofpel  times! 
May  the  Lord  of  hbfts  haften  th^ni  more 
generally  in  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth ! 

Having  offered  a  few  general  obfervations 
tipon  the  ft  ate  of  things,  it  now  remains  to 
make  fome  further  remarks  upon  thofe  peo- 
ple fo  remarkably  raifed,  as  before  hinted, 
in  the  laft  century,  in  this  our  native  land; 
for  their  beginning  and  firft  progrefs  was 
here;  tho'  many  other  lands  were  alfo  fhar- 
ers  in  the  bright nefs  of  truth's  arifing  in 
them ;  and  it  may  without  vanity  be  faid, 
that  tiirough  them  a  light  hath  extended,  or 
at  leaft  glanced,  over  a  great  part  of  Chrif- 
tendom  (fo  called)  which  hath  difcovered  the 
hidden  myftery  of  the  falfe  church  more 
clearly  than  heretofore,  and  given  a  great 
fliake  to  the  long-continued  kingdom  of  an- 
tichrift.  They  have  been,  through  Divine 
Wifdom,  eftablifhed  into  a,  firm  body, 
amongft  whom  fubfifts  the  comely  order  of 
^he  gofpel,  as  an  hedge,  by  divine  appoint- 
^entj  for  their  fafety  and  prefervation  from 


52        On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhif. 

the  deftroyer,  and  out  of  the  polluting  de- 
filements of  a  greatly  corrupted  world.. 
Notwithflanding  which,  their  prefervatiori 
doth,  and  always  will,'  much  depend  upon 
their  diligently  feeking  unto,  and  waiting 
lingly  and  carefully  for  a  daily  renewing  of 
llrength  and  wifdom  from  above,  whereby 
alone  all  things  muft  be  direcfted  and  order- 
ed for  their  fafety  and  perfeverance. 

It  hath  been  often  accounted  by  me  a 
great  favour  and  bleffing,  that  my  lot  was 
caftin  a  time  when  primitive  Chriftianity, 
in  its  power  and  purky,  was  reflored  in  the 
world;  and  that  I  was  fo  happy  as  to  have 
my  birth  and  education  aiTjjpngft  the  before- 
mentioned  people:  for  tho'  that  did  not 
m^ake  me  a  real  and  living  member  of  their 
body,  yet  it  hc^ppily  put  me  more  in  the 
■^^ay  of  being  fo,  than  if  my  lot  had  fallen 
in  fome  of  the  foregoing  dark  ages,  and  af-r 
forded  me  greater  means  of  reftoration,  than 
if  I  had  been  educated  amongft  fuperftitious 
bigots;  for  which  favour,  enjoyed  by  me 
and  many  others,  there  muft  be  proportion- 
able returns  of  thankfulnefs  and  obedience, 
or  it  will  furely  add  to  our  condemnation: 
for  where  much  is  given,  much  will  be  re- 
quired. 

Before  I  had  quite  arrived  to  man's  eftate, 
I  was,  through  merciful  goodnefs  operating 
upon  my  foul,  brought  into  a  better  know- 
ledge of,  and  a  nearer  intimacy  and  fellow- 
fliip  with,  thele  people  in  a  fpiritual  fenfe^ 

than 


Qn  the  Nature  of  True  Wo^iflnp, 


:)y 


than  before,  to  my  unutterable  confolation : 
for  I  found  the  glorious  Lord  was  their  king 
and  law-giver,  and  that  he  was  indeed  be- 
come to  them  a  place  of  broad  rivers  and 
ftreams ;  and  that  man's  fplendid  inventions ; 
fuch  as  a  galley  with  oars,  and  gallant  fhip, 
could  not  pafs  amongft  them:  ^'  For  the 
*'  Lord  is  our  judge,  th*  Lord  is  our  law- 
*'  giver,  the  Lord  is  our  king,  he  will  fave 
*'  us.'^'^"  This  was~  the  bleffed  language 
founded  within  their  borders.  My  fpirit 
hath  many  times  been  reverently  bowed,  and 
awfully  proftrated  before  the  Lord,  in  be- 
holding the  comelinefs,  beautiful  lituation, 
and  fafety  of  thefe  his  people;  in  an  humble 
fenfe  whereof  I  have  been  ready  to  fay, 
*'  Happy  art  thou,  O  Ifrael !  who  is  like 
"  unto  thee,  O  people  faved  of  the  Lord! 
*'  th^  {hield  of  thy  help,  and  who  is  the 
**  fword  of  thy  excellency!  and  thine  ene- 
*'  mies  fliall  be  found  liars  unto  thee,  and 
**  thou  flialt  tread  upon  their  high  places !" 
It  may  be  objected  that  the  foregoing 
contains  high  encomiums  on  a  people, 
amongft  whom  we  cannot  difcover  thefe 
excellencies,  but  have  looked  upon  them  as 
a  mean  contemptible  body,  who  aifed:  a 
kind  of  aukward  fingularity;  and  we  ob- 
ferve  many  amongft  them  as  eager  after  the 
world,  and  who  love  it  as  well  as  any  people 
whatever;  and  others,  who  take  undue  li- 
berties,   are  as  deeply  involved  in  the  plea^- 

flues 
*  Ifa.  xxxiii,  21.  Ver.  22. 


14        On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhif. 

lures  and  gaieties  of  life,  and  as  mvich 
ftrangers  to  felf-denial,  as  people  of  other 
perfuafions.  And  it  is  further  to  be  noted, 
that  when  we  go  to  their  places  of  wprfhip, 
and  obferve  tlae  manner  of  their  fitting  in 
filence,  a  Laodicean  lukewarmnefs  is  very- 
apparent  in  many  of  them,  by  the  eafy, 
carelefs  condition  they  feem  to  fit  in,  at  the 
lame  time  they  profefs  to  be  waiting  in  fi- 
lence  of  body,  and  ftillnefs  of  foul,  for  the 
defcending  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  that  their 
fpiritual  flrength  may  be  renewed.  Surely, 
If  this  is  not  really  fo,  it  muft  be  a  mockery 
and  deception  of  the  mod  contemptible  and 
provoking  nature  in  the  fight  pf  an  AU-fee-r 
ing  Eye. 

In  order  a  little  to  open  the  (late  of  the 
cafe,  and  to  anfwer  the  foregoing  objedtions, 
I  Ihall  now  make  fome  obfervations  upon 
the  defection  in  pradlice  that  is  to  be  found 
amongft  us  as  a  people,  efpecially  of  late 
years,  which  hath  caused  abundance  of  pair^ 
and  heart-aching  diftrefs  to  the  living  body, 
who  fervently  travail  that  Chrift  may  be 
formed  in  thofe  who  have  a  natural  birth- 
right in  the  fpciety,  which  at  prefent  feema 
to  be  all  the  title  fome  have  to  be  accounted 
of  us.  As  to  the  foregoing  part  of  the  ob- 
jecflion,  this  peopl^  have  been  indifcrimi- 
nately  viewed  in  that  light  by  carnal  profef- 
fors  from  their  firft  rife,  which  dif'covers 
the  fame  undiftinguiihing  blindnefs,  as  al- 
ways  hath  deprived   the   children  of    this, 

worl4. 


On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip.         55 

world  of  feeing  any  beauty  or  comelinefs  in 
the  children  of  light.  I  have  before  noted, 
that  I  (tho'  educated  in  the  fame  profeffion) 
did  not  fee  the  Lord  was  amongft  them,  in 
fuch  a  manner,  until  he  was  pleafed  to  open 
mine  eyes,  agreeable  to  Matt.  xvi.  16.  17. 
where  our  Lord  pronounces  Peter  bleffed,  in 
that  the  Father  had  revealed  the  Son  to  him* 
Chap.  xiii.  16.  he  faid  to  his  difciples, 
*'  Bleffed  are  your  eyes,  for  they  fee;  and 
*'  your  ears,  for  they  hear."  It  is  through 
the  fame  blefling  mine  eyes  are  yet  preferved 
open  to  fee,  that  notwithftanding  the  great 
decleniion  in  pra6lice,  which  hath  prevailed 
over  many  of  us  as  a  people,  the  glory  is 
not  departed  from  amongft  us :  the  King  i«; 
known  by  the  upright-hearted  in  his  beauty^ 
ftill  reigning.  Princes  do  yet  rule  in  the 
fpirit  of  judgment  given  them  of  God* 
My  faith  is,  at  times,  greatly  ftrengthened 
to  believe  it  will  never  ceafe  to  be  fo  amongft 
this  people,  but  that  they  will  be  preferved 
by  the  Almighty  power,  through  all  genera- 
tions, a  living  body;  and  that  the  princi- 
ples of  truth,  as  held  by  them,  will  yet 
fpread  far  and  wide  in  the  kingdoms  of  the 
earth.  This,  I  believe,  was  the  blelTed  end 
for  which  they  Were  firft  raifed,  and  mar- 
veloufly  fupported :  this  glorious  work  hath 
been  in  degree  going  on,  tho'  very  much 
^impeded  by  the  unfaithfulneis  of  many 
'^mongft  us,  vsrho,  like  the  foolifh  woman, 
are  in  fome  meafure  pulling  down  what  the 

wife 


56        On  the  Nature  of  True  WorJIiip, 

wife  woman  hath  built  up.  Oh!  that  all 
who  take  upon  them  our  holy  profeffion  of 
the  unchangeable  truth,  would  deeply  con- 
iider  the  weight  of  that  obligation  which 
they  take  upon  themfelves  thereby !  It  is  far, 
Q  very  far!  from  being  a  light  eafy  thing; 
as  it  may,  in  a  proper  lenfe,  be  efteemed  an 
entering  into  the  foiemn  covenant  thofe  peo- 
ple are  bound  to  by  their  God,  of  liolding 
up  a  ftandard  of  truth  and  righteoufnefs, 
altogether  meet  and  fuitable  for  the  nations, 
with  fafety  and  well-grounded  confidence  to 
draw  unto ;  fo  that  none  amongft  us  need 
be  afliamed  to  call  unto  mankind  thus ;  viz. 
Look  upon  Zion^  the  city  of  our  folemnities! 
Oh!  it  is  a  lovely  fight  to  behold  her  walls 
and  bulwarks  all  falvation,  and  her  gates 
praife;  when  none  of  her  flakes  are  broken 
down,  nor  any  of  her  cords  loofened ;  being 
indeed  the  Lord's  habitation,  as  fet  forth 
Pfa.  cxxxii.  13,  14,  15,  16.  *'  For  the  Lord 
*'  hath  chofen  Zion:  he  hath  defired  it  for 
*'  his  habitation."  He  faith,  "  This  is  my 
**  refl  for  ever:  here  will  I  dwell,  for  I  have 
**  defired  it.  I  will  abundantly  blefs  her  pro- 
*'  vifion:  I  will  fatisfy  her  poor  with  bread. 
*'  I  .will  alfo  clothe  her  priefts  with  falvati- 
*'  on:  and  her  faints  fhall  fhout  aloud  for 
-  joy." 

Many  under  our  religious  profeffion  dif- 
regarding  or  lightly  efteeming  this  fblemn 
covenant,  and  reiling  in  the  profeffion  only, 
is  the  principal  reafon  that  we  find  divers 

under 


On  the  Mature  of  ^rue  Worjloip.         ^J 

under  our  name  more  infenfible,  harder  to 
be  reached  unco  and  awakened  by  a  hving 
powerful  miniftry,  than  people  of  other  re- 
ligious perfuafions.     This  may  feem  ftrange 
to  fonie,  but  I  know  it  is  lamentably  true  5 
having  frequently  felt  it  fo  in  my  gofpel  la- 
bours.    To  me  this  doth  not  appear  hard  ta 
account   for,    when   it  is    confidered,    that 
amongft  us  there  hath  been  difpenfed  greater 
abundance  of  fpiritual  favours,    of  various 
kinds,   than  amongll  any  fociety  of  people 
that  1  know  of:  which  hath  not  proceeded 
from  any  partial  regard  in  the  Almighty  to- 
wards us  more  than  others,  but  the  better  to 
enable  us  to  keep  our  covenant  with  him,  ia 
the  difcharge  of  that  great  work  he  hath  cal- 
led us  to.     V/here  any  are  fo  inconfiderate  as 
to  difregard  and  negledl  fuch  wonderful  op- 
portunities  of  lafting  benefit  and  improve- 
ment, they  become  more  hardened  and  im- 
penitent than  thofe  who  have  been  more  ouc 
of  the  way  of  receiving  heavenly  impreffionsi 
The  portion  of  fuch,    unlefs  they  in  time 
embrace  the  grace  of  repentance,    is   very 
difmal  to   think   of,    as    in  Prov.   xxix.   i* 
^'  He  that  being  often  reproved,  harden^th 
'^'  his   neck,    {hall    fuddenly  be    dellroyed, 
•'  and  that   without  remedy,"      And  Heb. 
vi.  7,  8.     *'  For  the  earth  that  drinke'th  in 
"  the  rain  that   cometh  oft  upon  it,-    and 
**  bringeth  forth  herbs   meet  for  them  by 
*'  whom    it   is  drelfed,     receiveth    bleffing 
'^^  fromQ-d:  but  that  which  beareth  thorns 

I  **  i^nd 


58        On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip. 

*'  and  briars  is  rejec5led,  and  is  nigh  unto 
"  curling:   whofe  end  is  to  be  burned." 

Great  indeed  hath  been  the  bounty  of 
heaven  to  us  as  a  people,  both  immediately, 
by  the  folacing  influences  and  guidance  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  all  that  would  receive  it, 
and  alfo  by  the  abundant  flowing  of  a  truly 
evangelical  minifl;ry,  raifed  up  and  continu- 
ed for  the  greateil  part  of  this  lafl:"  hundred 
years*  But  now  the  Ibciety  is  much  fl:ript 
of  a  living  fl^iilful  miniftry;  yet  not,  nor  I 
hope  ever  will  be,  wholly  deftitute.  This, 
through  the  divine  bleffing,  hath  been  a 
great  means  of  our  being  gathered  into  and 
preferved  a  people!  but  many  amongft  us 
have  leaned  and  depended  thereupon ;  and 
therefore  it  may  be,  and  I  believe  it  is,  con- 
liftent  with  Divine  Wifdom,  to  try  how  the 
fociety  will  fl:and  without  fo  much  outward 
help  in  that  way;  tho'  perhaps  more  may 
be  afforded,  in  raifing  up  a  fpirit  for  pro- 
moting found  difcipline  and  good  order, 
which  will  prove  a  bleflTed  means  of  its  pre- 
fervation.  And  this  muft  be  proceeded  in 
by  the  help  and  holy  influences  of  the  fame 
Spirit,  which  furniflies  the  befl:  minifl:ry. 
It  looks  as  if  the  Lord  was  about  to  make 
his  people  flill  more  inward  and  fpiritual, 
fliewing  them  plainly,  that  gofpel-worfliip 
does  not  depend  upon  outward  means. 

It  is  quite  obvious  that  abundant  preach- 
ing, praying,  and  fmging,  doth  not  bring 
a  great  part  of  mankind  a  whit  nearer  to 

heavea 


On  the  Nature  of  Ti  tie  Worjhlp.         59 

heaven,  nor  more  acquainted  with  God  and 
themfelves,    than  they  would  be  without  it. 
So  that  it  may  be  truly  laid,  and  indeed  la- 
mented,   that  they  fpend  their  money  for 
that  which  is  not  bread,  and  beftow  much 
labour   without    real    profit   to   themfelves. 
With  refped  to  us,    the  miniftry  approved 
hath  abounded  with  heavenly  bread,    and 
refrelhing    ftreams    of    living    v/ater   have 
flowed    through   the  conduits    and   water- 
fpouts  to  the  plantation  of  God ;  and  altho' 
many  have  not  improved  thereby,  yet  fome 
have  grown  and  flourifliied.     But  the  Lord 
of  the  vineyard  cannot  be  confined  to  any 
particular  means  for  the  help  and  preferva- 
tion  of  his  church,  tho'  perhaps  fuch  as  he 
has  made  vife  of  in  time  pafl ;  feeing  he  can 
make  other  means,  unthought  of  by  fhort- 
fighted  mortals,  as   effedlual.     We  may  fee 
he  made  ufe  of  the  people  of  Ifrael  to  fight 
his   battles,    wherein  they  feemed,  in  fome 
fort,  to  have  been  the  caufe  and  inftruments 
of   their  oivn  deliverance   and  prefervation: 
yet  it  was  not  always  fo;  for  there  are  divers 
inftances  of  his  deflroying  his  enemies,  and 
working  the  deliverance;  ot  his  people  imme- 
diately by  his  own  power.     This  appeared 
more  marvellous   and  aftonifliing,  both  to 
his  people  and  their  enemies,  than  the  ordi- 
nary means   ufually  employed.     Upon  the 
whole,    altho'  it  appears  to   me   fomething 
like  a  chaftifement,    that  fo  many  worthy 
valiants  have  been  removed,  and,  few  raifed 


do        On  tJje  Nature  of  True  Worjlnp, 

up  in  the  miniftry  to  fucceed  them  with 
equal  brightnefs,  this  may  prove  a  trial, 
which,  toy  difcerning  eyes,  may  fully  diftin- 
guifli  between  the  profeffor  and  the  polTeiror 
in  religion ;  yet  I  believe  the  true  church 
will  grow  under  this  difpenfation  of  God's 
dealing  with  his  people.  She  will  be  more 
grounded  and  fettled  in  that  which  is  within 
the  veil,  viz.  the  holy  fandluary  and  houfe 
of  prayer.  There  is  her  place  of  fafety, 
quite  out  of  the  reach  of  Satan's  tranf- 
formations. 

An  holy,  awful,  filent  waiting  before 
God,  is  fpiritual  Ifrael's  abiding  in  their 
tent,  where  no  divination  nor  enchantment 
can  prevail  againft  them.  This  is  exceeding 
beautiful,  reaching,  and  convincing  to  all, 
whole  fpiritual  eyes  are  in  degree  openeil, 
when  they  fee  the  things,  as  fet  forth 
Numb.  xxiv.  5,  6,  7.  ''  How  goodly  are 
."  thy  tents,  O  Jacob!  and  thy  tabernacles, 
*'  O  Ifrael!  A^  the  vallics  are  they  fpread 
*'  forth,  as  gardens  by  the  rivers-fide,  as 
*'  the  trees  of  lign-aloes  which  the  Lord  hath 
^'  planted,  and  as  cedar-trees  befide  the 
''  wateis.  He  fliall  pour  the  water  out  of 
**  his  buckets,  and  his  feed  fliall  be  in  ma- 
^'  ny  waters."  Oh!  what  wonderful  en- 
couragement haye  the  Lord's  cholen  people, 
to  d^ide  faithful  in  that  ftation  wherein  he 
hath  placed  them,  whether  in  filence  or 
fpeaking,  doing  or  fuffering,  prolperity  or 
adverfity.     There  is  not  the  leall  occafion  to 

be 


On  the  Nature  of  True  WorJJnp.        6 1 

be  afliamed  of  filent  worfliip,  unlels  we  are 
fb  naked,  as  to  be  void  of  a  right  fenfe  of 
what  true  worlhip  is.  Then  indeed  it  is  ex- 
ceedingly contemptible,  and  cannot  fail  of 
rendering  us  more  defpicable  in  the  eyes  of 
mankind,  than  fuch  are  who  have  a  form, 
ornamented  with  man's  curious  invention 
and  adorning.  This  muft  of  ncceffity  cen- 
ter all  that  are  fo  unhappy  in  that  ftate,  fet 
forth  by  our  Lord  under  the  metaphor  of, 
^'  Salt  that  hath  loft  its  favour,  which  is 
*'  thenceforth  good  for  nothing,  but  to  be 
^'  caft  out,  and  trodden  under  the  feet  of 
*'  men."  Therefore  all  profeflbrs  of  fpirit- 
iial  worfliip  ihould  greatly  fear  being  found 
in  this  dreadful  ftate,  of  the  form  truth 
leads  into  without  the  life  and  power:  if 
that  is  with  them,  it  will  raife  them  above 
contempt. 

In  my  travels  for  the  promotion  of  truth, 
according  to  ability  received,  which  I  have 
been  engaged  in  through  moft  parts  of  our 
fociety,  I  have  feen  and  painfully  felt  much 
of  this  forrowful  idlenefs  and  infenfibility, 
which  has  caufed  me  many  days  and  nights 
of  mourning  with  fackcloth  as  it  were  un- 
derneath. 1  have  feen  that  it  proceeds  from 
various  caufes,  but  principally  from  an  over- 
anxioufnefs  in  feeking  after  earthly  things, 
lawful  in  themfelves,  but  diredl  idolatry 
when  they  have  the  chief  place  in  the  mind^ 
and  are  made  the  principal  treafure  thereof; 
which  they  certainly  are,  when  moft  delight- 
ed 


62        On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip. 

cd  in  and  thought  upon.  Then  how  can  it 
be  fuppofed  that  idolaters  can  worlhip  the 
true  and  living  God,  any  other  wife  than  in 
a  mere  form  ?  With  fuch  the  feveral  branch- 
es of  our  Chriftian  teftimony  are  no  other- 
wife  regarded  than  for  outward  decency's 
fake,  to  keep  up  the  forni  in  the  fight  of 
men.  So  there  is  a  dead  form,  and  an  in- 
fipid  fruitlefs  bearing  of  our  teftimonies, 
which  can  never  beget  to  God,  tho'  perhaps 
it  may  fometimes  beget  into  the  form.  But 
this  brings  no  increafe  to  the  Lord's  people, 
except  of  pain  and  diftrefs.  Vifibie  difor- 
ders  and  immoral  pracSlices  in  particulars 
have  often  wounded  us,  and  hurt  the  caufe 
of  truth ;  but  not  in  fuch  a  dangeious  man- 
ner; becaufe,  where  found  judgment  and 
the  Spirit  of  wholefome  difcipline  have  beea 
preferved,  thefe  Things  have  been  judged 
and  caft  out  of  the  Camp.  But  the  greareft 
wounds  we  have  received  have  been  in  the 
houfe  of  our  feeming  friends,  by  their  en- 
deavours to  maintain  our  principles  (or  at 
leaft  what  they  liked  of  them)  worOiip,  mi- 
niftry,  and  difcipline,  all  in  that  form  only, 
A^^hich  the  faithful  have  been,  and  now  are, 
livingly  led  into.  Antichrifl  has  always 
made  more  havock  by  transforming  himfelf, 
than  by  direct  violence  and  oppofition.  Let 
it  be  ever  remembered  what  Paul  faith, 
**  For  he  is  not  a  Jew  which  is  one  out- 
*'  wardly;  neither  is  that  Circumcifion 
^*  which  is  outward  in  the  flefli:  but  he  is 


On  the  Nature  of  True  Worjhip.        6  3 

**  a  Jew  which  is  one  inwardly;  and  cir- 
*'  cumcifion  is  that  of  the  heart,  in  the  fpi- 
*'  rit,  and  not  in  the  letter;  whofe  praife  is 
*'  not  of  men,  but  of  God.*"  None,  I 
think,  dare  deny  but  it  would  be  equally 
true,  if  the  word  Chriftian  was  fubftituted 
in  the  room  of  the  word  Jew:  if  fo,  the 
form,  appearance,  and  character  may  be. 
attained  without  the  heart- work.  We  read 
of  fome  who  had  the  form  even  of  godlinefs, 
yet  denied  the  power,  tho'  perhaps  not  in 
words ;  for  to  me  it  appears  the  moft  empha- 
tical  denial  of  it,  to  live  and  adt  in  the 
form  without  it ;  as  this  may  feem  by  prac- 
tice, which  fpeaks  louder  than  words,  to 
declare  to  mankind  there  is  no  need  of  the 
power,  feeing  they  can  do  without  it.  Cer- 
tain it  is,  thofe  who  inordinately  love  this 
world,  and  the  things  pf  it,  cannot  have  the 
Power  of  Godlinefs  whilfl  in  that  ftate ;  as 
faith  the  apoftle,  "  Love  not  the  world, 
"  neither  the  things  that  are  in  the  world. 
*'  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of 
*•  the  Father  is  not  in  him.f " 

I  do  therefore  earneftly  intreat  all,  into 
whofe  hands  thefe  remarks  fhall  come,  feri- 
oufly  to  paufe,  and  examine  their  own  hearts 
without  partiality,  that  they  may  fee,  before 
it  be  too  late,  what  ftate  they  are  in.  If  by 
a  narrow  and  ftrid  fcrutiny  they  fdould  find 
that  the  religious  ftrudlure  (which  fome  of 
them  have  been  many  years  in  building) 

was 
*  Rom.  ii.  23,  29.  t  ^  Jolin-  ^'^'  *;- 


64.        On  the  Nature  of  True  WorJJnp, 

was  not  ere<5led  by  the  ordering  and  directi- 
on of  Divine  Wifdom^  it  would  be  much 
more  ikfe  and  prudent  to  have  it  all  pulled 
down,  fo  as  that  there  may  not  be  one  ftone 
left  upon  another,  by  laying  the  foundation 
of  repentance  from  dead  works ^  and  ot  liv- 
ing and  powerful  faith  towards  God,  and 
our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  in  a  confeience  puri-' 
fied  by  his  Blood. 

Thefe  lines  are  principally  intended  by 
way  of  an  alarm  and  warning  to  the  carelefs^ 
lukewarm  and  formal  profeflbrs.  As  for  the 
fincere,  upright,  humble  feekers  of  and 
worfhippers  of  God,  they  will  be  eftabliflied 
upon  the  Rock  of  ages,  which  the  gates  of 
hell  fhall  not  prevail  againft,  and  reap  the 
bleffed  fruits  of  the  painful  travail  of  their 
fouls  before  God;  and  in  due  time,  if  they 
faint  not,  their  parched  ground  will  be- 
come a  pool,  and  their  thirfty  Land  fprings 
of  water:  yea,  through  generations  to  come, 
they  will  enlarge,  and  become  as  a  fountain 
of  Gardens,  wells  of  living  water,  and 
ftreams  from  Lebanon.  The  beloved  of 
their  fouls  will  call,  faying,  *'  Awake,  O 
*'  north  wind!  and  come  thou  fouth,  blow* 
*'  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpices  thereof 
**  may    flow  out.*'*      Then  will  they  fay,^ 

Let  my  beloved  come  into  his  Garden, 

and  eat  his  pleafant  Fruits." 

CHAPTER 

*  Cant.  IT.  15,  16^ 


«i 


On  the  True  and  Falfe  Mini/lry.         65 

CHAPTER    IV. 

Containing  Short  Remarks  upon  the  Taufi 
and  the  False  Ministry, 

THE  prophet  Joel,  in  a  remarkable  and 
excellent  manner,  fets  forth  the  nature 
of  gofpel-miniftry.  **  And  it  fhali  come  to 
**  pafs  afterward,  I  will  poar  out  my  fpirit 
**  upon  all  flefh,  and  your  fons  and  your 
**  daughters  ihall  prophefy,*"  What  pro- 
phefying  is  here  intended  is  clearly  defcrib- 
cd,  I  Cor.  xiv.  3.  "  He  that  prophefieth, 
•'  fpeaketh  unto  men,  to  edification,  and 
"  exhortation,  and  comfort."  Indeed  great 
part  of  this  chapter  is  excellently  employed 
in  fetting  forth  gofpel-miniftry,  and  the 
Chriftian  liberty  all  have  to  exercife  a  right 
call  thereunto.  But  let  it  be  obferved,  the 
daughters  were  to  be  engaged  therein,  as 
well  as  the  fons,  by  gofpei  law  and  rule ; 
which  was  accordingly  allowed  and  praflifed 
in  the  apoftolic  church.  But  where  the 
learning  and  wifdom  of  man  hath  been  in- 
troduced in  the  place  of  gofpel-miniftry,  it 
has,  direftly  contrary  to  Chriilian  liberty, 
wholly  excluded  women  therefrom.  What 
pride  and  arrogance  muft  I'ach  men  have, 
who  exclude  all  from  the  miniitry  but  chem- 
felves,    for  filthy  lucre's  fake!  afluming  to 

K  them- 

*  Jcel  ii.  2^, 


4'6         Qntht  True  and  Falfe  Mini/iry, 

rhemfelves  the  name  clergy,  calling  others 
laity;  a  diftinftion  the  true  church  and  the 
holy  fcriptures  arc  ftrangers  to,  which  fay, 
I  Pet»  iv.  lo,  II.  '*  As  every  man  hath  re- 
^'  ceived  the  gift,  even  fo  minifter  the  fame 
*'  one  to  another,  as  good  ftewards  of  the 
*'  manifold  grace  of  God.  If  any  man. 
*^  fpeak,  let  him  fpeak  as  the  oracles  of 
*'  God:  if  any  man  minifter,  let  him  do  it 
*'  as  of  the  ability  which  God  giveth:  that 
*'  God*  in  all  things  may  be  glori^^ed 
''  through  Jefus  Chrift." 

Here  is  the*  precious  com^fortable  language 
of  truth  indeed,  and  perfedl  gofpel  liberty, 
which  excludes  none  wdio  have  received  a 
^ift;  that  is,  who  are  immediately  called  of 
God  thereunto,  as  was  Aaron.*  Exod. 
xxviii.  I  Chron.  xxiii.  13.  IJiews  at  large 
how  Aaron  was  called,  and,  with  his  poile- 
rity,  I'eparated  by  the  immediate  appoint- 
ment of  God  himfelf.  The  manner  of  their 
qualification,  and  how  they  ihould  condu(5l 
rhemfelves  in  the  prieft's  ofBce  during  that 
diipenfation,  are  all  recorded  with  that  exacft 
clearnefs  and  puncftuality,  always  ufed  by 
the  Almighty  towards  his  poor  dependant 
creature  man,  w^hen  he  is  pleafed  to  enjoin 
him  the  obfcrvance  of  any  law  or  ordinance. 
Therefore  no  man  ought  to  receive  any  thing 
'.\^  an  ordhiance  of  God,  unlcfs'it  appears 
indifputably  clear  that  he  has  comnianded 
k;   nor  yet  receive  thofe  mtn  who  have  en- 

grofled 
*  Hebiews  w  4. 


On  the  True  and  Falfe  Mmj/lrf.         (xf. 

grolTed  the  minillry  to  themielves,  unlefs 
diev  appear  to  have-  better  authority  for. 
their  undertaking,  than  their  being  taught 
by  human  means  at  Ichools  a:icl  colleges, 

But,  alas!  the  powers  of  the  earth  enable 
many  fuch  to  take  the  fleece,  whether  they- 
feed  the  flock  or  no:  having  learned  this 
trade,  they  appear  as  anxious  how  to  make 
the  moft  of  it  as  any  others.  If  any  refufe 
to  receive  theih  as  the  Lord's  ambaffiidors^,j 
and  conicientiouily  forbear  putting  into  their 
mouths,  the  ufoal  method  lias  bpen  to  cali 
to  the  magiUrate,  Help',  help!;  <tnd  to  pre-*^ 
pare  war  agai nil  fuch.  But  through  t lie. 
breaking  forth  and  arifmg  of  the  Light,  of 
Truth,  they  have  it  not  in  their  power  to 
inake  fuch  drudges  of  magiftrates  in  general 
as  heretofore.  ,  Neither  do  1  think  the  gene- 
rality are  lb  much  inclined  to  periecutiori' 
themfelves,  efpecially  among  Protellants,  as 
in  time  paft;  but  do  really  believe  many  or 
moll  of  them  abhor  the  feverell  part  of  it, 
and  are  men  of  moderate  principles.  Their 
greateil  unhappinefs  feems  t;o  be  that  of  fuf- 
fering  interell  to  blind  their  eyes^  and  that 
it  is  fo  much  for  their  outward  advantage  ta 
keep  mankind  from  receiving  the  true  Light, 
which  enlightcneth  every  man  ^hat  corneth 
into  the  world, ^  left  their  craft  ihoald  be 
endangered  by  the  ai:i(i,ng  thereof.  So  here 
the  bluid  l.ea,d  the  blmd,'|'  which  expoics 
both  to  the  utmoft  hazard ;   yet  llich  leader;^ 

frequeutlv 
^  John  i.  9,  ^  Matt.  xiy.  j;, 


68         On  the  True  and  Falfe  Miniflry. 

frequently  defpife  and  deride  thofe,  who, 
from  the  conftraining  power  and  love  of 
God,  teftify  againft  their  blindnefs;  to 
whom  the  anfwer  of  our  Lord  to  the  learned 
Rabbles  amongft  the  Jews  may  not  be  un- 
applicable:  *'  And  fome  of  the  Pharifees 
*'  which  were  with  him  heard  thefe  words, 
•*  and  faid  unto  him,  Are  we  blind  alfo? 
*'  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  If  ye  were  blind, 
**  ye  fhould  have  no  fin :  but  now  ye  fay 
**  we  fee ;  therefore  your  fin  remaineth.*" 

Where  men  have  fufiFered  themfelves  to  be 
fwayed  by  intereft  to  embrace  a  profitable 
craft  whereby  they  get  wealth,  they  have 
frequently  been  found  very  hot  and  fierce  in 
fupporting  the  fame,  endeavouring  to  fup- 
prefs  whatever  hath  rifen  up  againft  it* 
Hence  the  experience  of  many  generations 
can  teftify,  that  after  preaching  became  a 
gainful  trade  to  get  money  and  worldly  ho- 
nour by,  the  clergy  (fo  called)  have  been  al- 
ways the  greateft  ftirrers  up  of  force  upon 
confcience,  and  perfecution,  for  difi^ering 
from  them  in  religion ;  for  which  they  have 
not  the  leaft  ftiadow  of  example  or  precept^ 
cither  from  Chrift  or  his  apoftles.  But  all 
that  his  minifters  were  allowed  to  do,  with 
refpedl  to  fuch  as  would  not  receive  them 
and  their  doctrine,  was  to  fhake  off  the  duft 
from  their  feet,  as  a  teftimony  againft  them. 
Thefe  had  received  the  gift  of  the  minlftry 
from  Chrift;    they   had   it  without  money 

and 
*  John  IX.  40. 


On  the  True  and  Falfe  Mini/I rj.         69 

and  without  price,  **  Freely  ye  have  receiv- 
"  ed,  freely  give.*'*   But  mercenary  preach- 
ers do  not  receive  their  Miniftry  freely  j  for 
they  alledge,  it  is  attended  with  great  chai'ge 
to  be  properly  qualified  for  it ;  and  therefore 
they  muft  make  an  intereft  of  it  again,  or 
they  fhould  be  great  lofers.    The  plain  truth 
is,  they  do  not  receive  their  miniftry  from 
Jefus  Chrift;    neither  can  they  produce  any 
evidence  to  prove  that  they  have  received  a 
commiffion  from  him  for  what  they  take 
upon    them.      Their   ufing   the    words    of 
Chrift  and  his   apoftles  affords  them  no  au- 
thority from  him;    for  the  very  worft  of 
men,  yea  the  devils  themfelves,  may  do  the 
fame.     Oh !  what  pity  it  is  they  fliould  pre- 
tend to   be  fent  of  God,    ambafladors  of 
Chrift,    and  the   apoftles   fucceflbrs!    when 
they  really  are  fo  manifeftly  unlike  him  and 
them ;  and  have  evidently  the  marks  ,of  the 
ialfe  prophets  and  hirelings  we  read  of  in 
the  holy  fcriptures,  as  hatli  been  fully  prov-^ 
ed  againft  them  by  authors  of  good  account. 
Now  let  us  take  notice  what  Paul  the  great 
apoftle  of  the  Gentiles  faith  upon  this  ilib- 
je<5t,   "Not  that  we  are  fufhcient  of  ourfelves 
*'  to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourfelves;  but 
*'  our  fufficiency  is  of  God:  who  alfb  hath 
*'  made  us  able  minifters  of  the  New"  Tefta- 
**  ment,  not  of  the  letcer,  but  of  the  fpn^it: 
*'  for  the  letter  killeth,  but  the  fpirit  giveth 
**  life.f"     This  plainly  fheweth,  that  mini- 

ilers 
*Matt.  X.  S.         t  2  Cor.  ili.-5.,  d. 


JO         On  the  True  and  Falje  M'miftry, 

fters  in  the  gofpel-times  were  to  convey  the 
quickening  fpirit  of  living  and  heavenly 
virtue  to  mankind ;  agreeable  to  Matt,  xxviii. 
19.  "Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 
•*  baptizing  them  in  (or  into)  the  name  of 
**  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
**  Holy  Gholl."  Verfe  20.  "  Lo,  I  am 
"  with  you  always  to  the  end  of  the  world." 
That  this  bapcizing-teaching  with  the  Holy 
Ghoft  was  that  pradlifed  in  the  primitive 
church,  appears  by  many  paifages  in  holy 
writ;  particularly  Ads  x.  44.  "  While 
*'  Peter  fpake  thefe  words,  the  Holy  Gho(t 
**  fell  on  all  them  which  heard  the  w^ord." 
Chap.  xi.  ver.  15^  16.  "  And  (faid  Peter)  as 
•'  I  began  to  fr  Cak,  the  Holy  Ghoft  fell  oix 
**  them^  as  on  us  at  the  beginning.  Then 
**  remembered  I  the  word  of  the  Lord,  how 
**  that  he  faid,  John  indeed  baptized  with 
*'  water;  but  ye  fhall  be  baptized  with  the 
*'  Holy  Ghoft."  And  feeing  the  difpenfa-^ 
tion  of  God  to  man  is  the  very  fame  now  as 
it  was  then,  mankind  as  much  involved  in 
lin,  and  eftrangcd  from  God  as  they  were 
then,  and  the  Lord  hath  gracioufly  promiA 
ed  to  be  with  his  minifters  always  to  the  end 
of  the  world,  no  good  reafons  can  pofiibly 
be  given,  why  the  lame  powerful  efficacious 
means  are  not  now  as  efTentially  neceilary 
for  man's  recovery,  as  at  that  time.  There 
can  be  no  ground  for  a  denial  of  this  truth, 
unlels  a  confciouiiieis  in  fome  that  they  have 
not  the  uirilUnce  oi'  the  fpirit  in  their  mini- 

llryi 


On  the  True  and  Falfe  Minijlry,  yr 

ftry;  therefore  it  feems  for  their  interefl, 
and  for  the  niaintaining  of  their  credit,  to 
perfuade  mankind  there  is  no  fuch  thing  to 
be  attained  now.  This,  with  many  other 
inftances  which  might  be  produced,  plainly 
fhews  them  to  be  no  other  than  minifters  of 
the  letter;  and  that,  we  read,  only  kills^ 
when  the  quickening  fpirit  doth  not  accom- 
paily  the  preaching  of  it. 

Very  judicious  are  the  diflincflions  made 
by  William  Dell  (in  his  Trial  of  Spirits  both 
in  teachers  and  hearers)  between  minifters 
©f  the  iettter,  and  minifters  of  the  ipirit; 
he  being  himfelf  a  man  of  literature,  and 
"w^ell  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  univerfity 
education,  as  he  was  mafter  of  Gonville  and 
Caius  college  in  Cambridge.  I  Ihall  juft 
make  a  few  quotations  from  him,  and  re- 
commend that  tracFt,  and  his  excellent  trea- 
tife  on  baptifm,  &c.  to  the  reader's  ferious 
perufal. 

"  And  firft,  let  me  note  an  objeftion,  viz. 
*'  but .  fome  will  objecl  here.  If  a  man 
*'  preach  the  word  in  the  letter,  even  good, 
*'  found,  and  orthodox  doctrine^  no  doubt 
*'  but  fuch  a  man  is  to  be  heard,  and  he 
may  do  much  good  in  the  church,  tho' 
he  want  Chrift's  fpirit:  This  (faith  he)  I 
have  heard  from  very  many  who  have 
thought  they  havcfaid  fomething.  But  to 
this  1  anfwer,  That  they  who  wantChrift's 
fpirit,  v/liich  is  the  fpirit  of  prophecy, 
tho'    they   preach   the  exacS:  letter  of  the 

''  word, 


t( 


72         On  the  True  and  Falfe  Mlnifiry, 

**  word,  yet  are  falfe  prophets,  and  not  tb 

"  be  heard  by  the  flieep.    Again,  They  that 

'^  preach    only   the   outward  letter  of  the 

*'  word  without  the  fpirit,  make  all  things 

**  outward  in  the  church:    whereas  in  the 

''  true  kingdom  of  Chrift  all  things  are  in- 

"  ward  and  fpiritual,  and  all  the  true  reli- 

'*  gion  of  Chrifl  is  written  in  the  foul  and 

fpirit  of  man  by  the  fpirit  of  God ;  and 

the  Believer  is  the  only  book  in  which 

**  God  himfelf  writes  his  New  Tcftament." 

He  further  faith,    "  They  that  preach  the 

•'  outward   letter  without  the  fpirit,    can, 

*'  notwithftanding  that,  both  live  themfelves 

**  in  all  the  inward  evils  of  corrupted  na- 

**  ture,     and    allow   others   to   do   fo    too. 

*'  Wherefore,    to  conclude  (faith  he)  let  us 

*'  know    that   that   church   that    hath   the 

**  word,  if  it  wants  the  fpirit,  is  antichrift's 

**  church ;  and  that  miniftry  that  ufeth  the 

**  word,  and  wants  the  fpirit,  is  antichrift's 

*'  miniftry;     and   that   all   works,    duties, 

*'  prayings,    preachings,    faftings,    thankf- 

*'  givings,    &c.  v^^ithout  Chrift's  fpirit,  are 

*'  nothing  but  the  very  kingdom  of  anti- 

*'  chrift,  and  the  abomination  of  defolationr 

Thus  far  Deli. — Uh !  of  what  importance  it 

is   for   mankind,   of  every  denomination  as 

to  religion  (ours  as  well  as  others)  deeply  to 

ponder  thefe  weighty  oblervations  in  their 

hearts,    efpecially   the   laft.     Upon   that  of 

Paul,  Rom.  x.    15.    Hoiv  JJjall  they  preachy 

c-xcept  they   he  Jent?     Deli   farther  obierves 

thus, 


On  the  True  and  Falfe  Minijlry.         73 

thus,  viz.  "  So  that  true  preaching,  comes 
''  from  true  fending,  and  this  comes  from 
*'  the  Grace  of  God/'  Not,  fay  I,  from 
the  fending  of  univerfities,  bifhops,  prefby« 
ters,  or  any  other  man  or  fet  of  men  what- 
ever, or  from  man's  intruding  himfelf  there- 
into in  his  own  will  without  a  proper  call ; 
fcut  from  the  conftraining  power  of  the  ever- 
lafting  w^ord  of  God  laying  a  necefllty,  as 
expreffed  by  Paul,  j.  Cor.  ix.  16.  ^'  For  tho' 
"  I  preach  the  gofpel,  I  have  nothing  to 
*'  glory  of:  for  neceility  is  laid  upon  me^ 
*'  yea,  woe  is  unto  me  if  I  preach  not  the 
''  gofpel." 

It  is  of  the  utmoft  confequence,  towards 
promoting  truth  and  righteoufhefs  upon  the 
earth,  that  the  miniftry  be  preferved  accord^ 
ing  to  its  original  inftitution,  viz.  under  the 
immediate  diredlion  of  the  eternal  word  of 
God,  fpeaking  as  the  oracles  of  God,  It  is^ 
properly  God's  fpeaking  by  his  inftruments 
to  the  children  of  men,  fuch  things  as  he 
the  fearcher  of  hearts  knows  they  (land  iu 
need  of;  at  the  fame  time  opening  the  hearted 
of  them  to  whom  it  belongs  to  receive  the 
dodlrine.  Nothing  but  the  unparallelled 
love  and  power  of  Chrift  can  bring  forth 
and  fupport  fuch  a  miniftry.  It  is  in  the 
nature  of  things  impolTible  that  thofe,  io 
exercifed  therein,  can  have  iinifter  views  ot 
making  temporal  advantage  to  themfelves 
thereby.     Wherever  that  appears,  we  may 

b^ 
L 


^h' 


74         On  the  True  and  Falfe  Minijiry. 

be  afTured  tlie  Lord  liath  not  fenc  them; 
and  therefore  they  cannot  profit  the  people 
at  all. 

Man  fliould  be  fo  far  from  proceeding  up- 
on corrupt  motives,  for  outward  gam  or 
advantage,  in  this  important  work,  that 
even  tho'  good- will  to  mankind,  flowing 
from  the  love  of  God  flied  abroad  in  the 
heart,  in  which  llrong  defires  may  arife  to 
do  good,  free  from  lucrative  views  of  all 
kinds,  and  much  beautiful  gofpel-dodlrine 
alfo  may  open  very  fuitable,  as  the  party 
may  think,  for  the  help  and  edification  of 
his  or  her  fellow- mortals,  yet  all  this  is  not 
fufKcient  to  proceed  vipon,  without  the  call 
and  real  gift  in  this  fo  aw^ful  an  undertak- 
ing; it  being  no  more  at  beft  than  the 
natural  confequence  of  the  operation  of  that 
pure  love  in  the  faints  minds,  even  in  fuch 
as  never  had  a  call  to  the  miniftry :  yet  to 
fome  thefe  blefTed  operations,  influences, 
and  openings,  may  be  given,  in  order  to 
prepare  them  for  that  work  which  they 
fliould  v^ait  patiently  under,  until  the  full 
time  comes :  this  will  be  clearly  ieen,  as  the 
eye  is  Angle.  But  there  is  great  caufe  to  be- 
lieve fome  have  launched  out  upon  this 
foundation  only-,  in  the  beginning  of  their 
public  appearances,  whereby  they  have  in  a 
forrowful  manner  brought  darknefs  upon 
thcmfeives,  and  Ibmetmies  on  others;  hav- 
ing proved  only  minifters  of  the  letter,  tho' 
perhaps  pretending  much  to  have  the  im- 

puiles 


f^- 


On  the  True  and  Falfe  Miniflry.         75 

ptilfes  of  the  fpirit.  Thefe  have  been  in- 
llruments  of  much  anxiety  and  diftrefs  to 
the  true  church,  who  can  favour  nothing 
with  dehght,  but  that  which  comes  from 
the  power  of  the  word  of  hfe. 

It  may  be  difficult  to  bring  true  judgment, 
over  fuch,  in  the  prefent  low  ftate  of  things ; 
efpecially  when  there  has  been  a  fair  outiide, 
and  nothing  to  blame  in  their  morals.  But 
it  fometim.es  hath  fallen  out,  that  there  has 
been  fomething  permitted  to  manifeft  the 
unfoundnefs  of  fuch,  and  thereby  to  relieve 
the  painful  futferers  vmder  the  blading  wind 
of  fiich  mini  dry, 

Inconliderate  weak  perfons  have  intruded 
themfelves  into  this  great  work;  who  not 
duly  waiting  for  judgment  to  try  the  fpirits, 
and  what  prefents  to  their  minds,  have  been 
beguiled  by  transformations  to  go  out  in  a 
falfe  heat;  and  for  want  of  the  holy  dread 
and  fear  upon  their  hearts,  they  have  catch- 
ed  hold  of  the  gofpel  liberty  again  reflored, 
(which  muft  be  preferved  open,  left  the  Ho- 
ly Spirit  be  qvienched)  viz.  that  all  who  are 
called  to  the  work  of  the  miniftry,  whether 
male  or  female,  may  prophefy  or  preach  one 
by  one,  that  all  may  be  edified.* 

It  has  been  a  painful  fuffering  cafe  to  liv- 
ing members  in  fbme  places,  when  they  have 
feen  that  both  the  matter  and  manner  of 
fome  could  have  no  other  tendency  than  to 
expofe  themfelves,  and  burden  the  religious 


I  Cor.  14.  3i;> 


y6         On  the  True  and  Falfe  Minljiry. 

fociety,  who  fuffered  fuch  to  affume  an 
ofEce  for  which  they  were  no  ways  quaUfied. 
Certainly  the  church  hath  power  to  order 
and  regulate  her  own  members ;  and  doubt*- 
lefs  flie  may  wholly  refufe  and  reje6l  a  mi- 
niftry,  which,  upon  trial,  flie  has  in  truth 
no  unity  with;  and  even  fubftantial  mem- 
bers in  their  private  capacity,  who  have 
flood  their  ground  well,  and  have  large  ex- 
perience of  the  Lord's  dealings,  whether 
minifters  or  others,  ought,  in  reafon  and 
the  nature  of  things,  to  have  great  weight 
with  fuch  who  have  not  yet  made  full  proof 
of  their  miniftry,  nor  giveni  fatisfacftion  to 
their  friends  in  general,  as  well  as  to  them- 
felves,  and  perhaps  a  few  others  of  little 
judgment.  Neither  ought  any  to  go  abroad 
to  exercife  their  miniftry,  until  they  know 
there,  is  a  general  fatisfaftion  at  home  there- 
with; not  even  to  adjacent  meetings.  Some 
fuch  have  been  very  pofitive  and  refolute, 
hard  to  be  convinced  of  their  miftakes,  and 
cenforious  upon  thofe  of  deeper  experience, 
but  too  much  like  that  fign  of  great  depra- 
vity fet  forth  by  Ifa.  iii.  5.  *'  The  child 
♦'  ftiall  behave  himfelf  proudly  againft  the 
*'  ancient,  and  the  bafe  againft  the  honour- 
^'  able" 

Great  order  and  decency  is  to  be  preferv- 
ed  in  the  church  of  God,  efpecially  among 
the  leading  members,  as  way-marks  to  all. 
The  reafon  and  nature  of  the  thing  demands 
a  proper  regard  and  preference  to  age,  gifts, 

growth 


On  the  True  and  FaJfe  Miniftry,         77 

growth,  and  experience;  which  will  be  al- 
ways ftri(!^ly  obferved  and  paid  by  thofe  of 
right  fpirits.  When  it  is  otherwife,  it  is  a 
fure  token  of  a  falfe  birth,  and  that  perni- 
cious felf  is  not  flain.  Where  that  pre- 
dominates, it  cannot  fail  of  mixing  with 
their  religious  fervices. 

That  the  hearers  have  a  right  to  judge, 
appears  from  i  Cor.  xiv.  29.  "  Let  the  pro- 
*'  phets  fpeak  two  or  three,  and  let  the  other 
*'  judge."  Therefore  it  is  very  prefuming 
for  any  to  take  upon  them  the  fole  right  of 
fpeaking  and  judging  too;  or  to  impofe  that 
upon  an  auditory  or  church,  which  they  are 
not  edified  with,  nor  believe  to  proceed  from 
the  right  fpring ;  for  the  word  preached  doth 
not  profit,  unlefs  it  be  mixed  with  faith  in 
thofe  that  hear  it. 

I  know  no  way  to  evade  the  force  and 
weight  of  w^hat  is  above  obferved,  unlefs  it 
be  fuppofed  the  auditory  in  general  are  fo 
void  of  fpiritual  underftanding,  as  not  to  be 
capable  of  judging;  which  would  difcover 
great  uncharitablenefs,  and  favour  too  much 
of  arrogance.  I  am  fully  perfuaded,  if  mi- 
niftry doth  not  reach  the  Divine  Witnefs  in 
the  hearts  of  the  hearers,  and  caufe  them 
to  aiTent  thereunto  in  fome  meafure,  it  will 
never  profit  them.  The  right  minifters  have 
a  witnefs  to  the  truth  of  their  miniftry  in 
the  minds  of  even  ^  the  rebellious ;  how 
much  more  fo  then  in  thofe  of  the  honeft- 
hearted  ?      ^ 

The 


jS         On  the  True  and  Falfe  Minijlry. 

The  danger  which  there  is  reafon  to  ap- 
prehend from  the  low,  languid,  nnfl^ilful 
ftate  of  many  in  our  fociety,  hath  induced 
me  (and  feeling  my  mind  in  degree  warmed 
thereunto)  to  write  the  more  clofely  concern- 
ing the  nature  and  pernicious  confequence 
of  a  falfe  miniftry;  being  fully  perfuaded, 
that  the  more  formal  and  fuperficial  we  as  a 
people  become,  the  more  abundant  danger 
there  is  of  fuch  a  miniftry  riling,  and  find- 
ing encouragement  to  grow  and  prevail ;  for 
the  lifelefs,  formal  profeJGTors  had  rather  have 
almoft  any  kind  of  miniftry  than  all  filence. 
And  on  the  other  hand,  a  right  miniftry 
cannot  have  a  free  courfe,  nor  be  exaked, 
where  there  is  nothing  but  worldly  fpirits, 
clothed  with  a  form  of  religion.  But  true 
minifters  muft  be  like  the  holy  prophet 
Ezekiel:  *'  And  I  will  make  thy  tongue 
*'  cleave  to  the  roof  of  thy  mouth,  that 
^'  thou  flialt  be  dumb,  and  ihalt  not  be  to 
*'  them  a  reprover;  for  they  are  a  rebellious 
*'  houfe.-'^"  And,  ''  The  prudejit  Ihall 
*'  keep  filence  in  that  time.f " 

Having  made  Ibme  remarks  upon  the 
falfe,  as  well  as  the  forward  and  unlkilful 
miniftry,  which,  tho'  plain  and  clole,  1  hope 
will  adminifter  no  hurt  or  difcouragement 
to  any  truly  concerned  in  this  important 
work,  they  may  (if  duly  oblerved)  be  leflTons 
of  caution  and  inftrudlion  to  thole  for  whom 
thev  are  intended ;  and  I  hope  alfb  a  ftrength 

*  Chap.  ill.  26.  f  Amos  v.  13. 


On  the  True  and  Falje  Mihiflry.         79 

to  the  painfully  exercifed  under  the  caufes 
of  uneaiinefs  given  by  ufkilful  intruders 
into  the  work,  whether  through  weaknefs  or 
wilfulnefs,  that  they  may  not  be  flack  in 
their  endeavours  to  regulate  the  fame  by 
plain-dealing,  yet  with  true  judgment,  love, 
and  tendernefs;  alljuftly  applied  where  they 
feverally  belong.  Their  talk  may  fometimes 
be  heavy  and  difcouraging,  as  it  is  hard  to 
tarn  thofe  who  have  taken  a  wrong  courfe, 
and  imagine  themfelves  right,  when  it  is 
really  other  wife ;  for  thofe  have  been  obferv- 
ed  to  be  the  moft  pofitive  of  any  of  their 
pretended  fight  and  fenfe,  yet  let  the  weight 
of  the  ienfe  of  truth,  which  is  ftrongefl  of 
all,  be  laid  upon  them  from  time  to  time, 
that  the  church  may  not  fufFer  hurt  and  lofs 
by  the  omiffion  of  its  fenfible  members; 
which  cannot  fail  of  weakening  and  hinder- 
ing the  growth  of  fuch  members  alfo  in  an 
individual  capacity.  I  know  it  muft  be 
thofe  alive  in  the  truth,  of  good  underftand- 
ing  and  judgment  therein  (and  no  other) 
that  are  qualiiied  to  help  and  direcl  thofe 
who  have  miifed  their  way  in  a  religious 
fenfe;  agreeable  to  Gal.  vi.  i.  "  Brethren, 
*'  if  a  man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  ye 
•'  which  are  fpiritual  reftore  fuch  an  one  in 
*'  the  fpirit  of  meeknefs;  confidering  thy- 
*'  felf,  left  thou  alfo  be  tempted;'*  and  not 
the  captious,  critical,  worldly-wife;  for 
they  have  nothing  to  do  to  ad  in  the  church 
of  Chrift,  until  they  are  firft  {iibjeded  to 
and  taught  of  the  Lord  themlclves. 


So         On  the  True  and  Falfe  Minijlry, 

The  main  point,  in  my  apprehenfion,  is 
to  be  able  to  form  a  true  judgment  of  the 
fource  or  fpring  from  whence  miniftry  pro- 
ceeds; and  if  found  to  be  right  in  the 
ground,  a  great  deal  of  tendernefs  is  to  be 
ufed,  and  much  childiili  weaknefs  is  to  be 
patiently  borne  with.  For  altho'  fome 
through  fear,  and  a  deep  fenfe  of  the  weight 
of  fo  important  an  undertaking,  may  (at 
firft)  fpeak  very  ftammeringly,  and  with 
confiderable  perturbation,  yet  the  fweet 
efficacy  of  the  quickening  powerful  fpirit, 
which  is  felt  with  them  in  their  fervice  (by 
thofe  who  are  circumcifed  in  heart  and  ear) 
far  exceeds  the  fined  eloquence  without  it. 
Such  fhould  be  prudently  encouraged,  yet 
fufFered  to  feel  their  own  feet.  There  are 
but  few  children,  however  hopeful,  that 
can  bear  much  nurfing  and  applaufe.  Oh! 
the  great  hurt  which  hath  been  done  by  the 
forward  afFedlionate  part  in  fome,  labouring 
to  bring  forth  divers  before  the  right  time, 
and  by  pufliing  on  others  too  faft,  who  in 
their  beginning  were  lively  and  very  hope- 
ful, to  their  great  hurt  and  lofs.  Oh!  then, 
what  caution  and  care  ftiould  be  exercifed, 
clearly  to  fee  in  the  true  light  what  to  lay 
hold  of,  and  what  to  difcourage  in  this  ini- 
portant  refpedl. 

I  now  intend  to  conclude  this  head  with 
fome  plain  honeft  hints,  which  have  arifeh 
from  mine  own  experience  and  obfervation 
concerning   the  true  miniftry,    as  it  hath 

been 


On  the  True  dnd  Falfe  Miniflrjr,         ii 

been  reftored  again  through  divine  mere/ 
for  about  this  latt  hundred  years,  in  greater 
limpUcity  and  purity  than  has  been  known 
(as  I  apprehend)  fince  the  apoftles  days^ 
This  hath  not  been  conduced  with  the  in- 
ticing  words  of  man's  tvifdom,  but  in  fuch 
a  demonftration  of  tlie  fpirit  and  power  of 
God,  as  hath  (tho'  much  defpifed  by  the 
learned  Rabbies)  been  a  great  blelling  to 
this  and  other  nations ;  many  thoufands 
having  been  thereby  turned  to  Chrift  their 
true  and  faving  teacher,  whom  they  embrac- 
ed joyfully,  as  the  alone  beloved  of  their 
fouls.  A  great  number  of  churches  were 
gathered  to  fit  down  as  under  the  Ihadow  of 
the  wings  of  the  prince  of  peace-  Great 
■was  the  Lord  their  God  in  the  midft  of 
them;  their  minifters  v\rere  cloatlied  with 
falvation,  and  their  feet  fliod  with  the  pre- 
paration of  the  gofpel  of  peace.  Many  then 
ran  to  and  fro,  and  the  true  knowledge  of 
God  vs^as  increafed.  The  Lord  gave  the 
word,  and  many,  both ,  male  and  female, 
were  the  publifhers  of  it.  And  through  di-* 
vine  mercy  it  may  yet  be  faid  (tho'  the  de- 
clenfion  in  praiflice  is  great  in  many)  that 
there  is  a  coniiderable  body  preferved,  to 
bear  the  ark  of  the  tcftimony  of  the  Lord 
their  God  as  upon  their  Ihoulders,  in  the 
fight  of  the  people,  with  their  feet  as  in  the 
bottom  of  Jordan;  and  a  living  pow^erful 
miniftry  is  yet  continued,  tho'  far  iliort  of 
the  number  formerly  engaged  in  that  work^ 


82         0)1  the  True  and  Falfe  Mini/Iry. 

For  many  have  grown  up  amongft  us,  who 
became  more  fuperficial  and  eafy  about  pof- 
feffing  the  fubflance  of  religion  than  their 
anceftors  were.  Such  have  relied  too  much 
on  the  miniftry,  and  have  not  profited  in 
religion  thereby.  But  they  have  greatly 
declined  in  pradlice,  under  abundant  favours 
of  this  kind,  the  miniftry  becoming  to  ma- 
ny as  a  pleafant  fong.  They  hear  the  words 
with  pleafure,  but  do  them  not ;  their  heart 
going  Hill  after  their  covetoufnefs  of  one 
kind  or  another.  Therefore  the  Lord  hath 
feen  meet  to.  ftrip  the  fociety  very  much  in 
that  refpedl;  and  alfo  to  engage  many  of 
thofe  who  are  true  minifters,  frequently  to 
lead  the  people,  by  example,  into  filence. 
OJ  bleffed  will  all  thofe  fervants  be,  who  are 
preferved,  difcerningly  and  with  Drue  judg- 
ment, to  adminifter  proper  food,  and  that 
in  due  feafon,  whether  in  filence  or  words, 
doing  or  fuffering  with  and  for  Chrift! 
Which  doubtlefs'all  Vvill,  who  look  with  a 
fmgle  eye  to  "God's  honour  above  all  things, 
attending  upon  the  gift  received,  which  in 
its  operations  and  requirings  is  felf-evident. 
None  that  wait  aright  upon  God  will  ever  be 
confounded;  that  belongs  to  Babylon;  but 
peace  and  infallible  certainty  is  known 
through  all  the  borders  of  Sion.  Every  one 
who  knows  Jerufalem  a  quiet  habitation,  is 
at  no  lofs  to  underftand  his  proper  allotment 
of  fervice  therein,  unlefs  he  falls  into  the 
conferring  with  flelh  and  blood  j   then  he 

comes 


On  the  Tfiic  and  Falfe  Minijlry,         83 

comes  to  the  confufion  and  uncertainty, 
wherein  he  may  fret  and  toil  in  vain.  But 
in  the  holy  awful  ftill  waiting  upon  God  in 
a  fanftified  heart,  which  is  the  temple 
wherein  Chrift  dwells,  and  our  houfe  of 
prayer,  there  Satan  can  never  come  to  de- 
ceive us,  or  to  endanger  our  fafety. 


CHAPTER    V. 

Containing  Brief  Obfervations  upon  the 
Nature  and  Usefulness  of  Chris- 
.xiAN  Discipline. 

UPON  all  the  glory  fhall  be  a  defence. 
That  God  intended  to  eftablifh  an 

excellent  government,  order,  and  difcipline 
in  the  church,  under  the  gofpel  difpenfation, 
appears  from  divers  pafTages  of  the  prophets 
in  the  Old  Teftament,  who  faw  into  and 
wonderfully  defcribed  the  chriftian  ftate;  a 
few  of  which  I  fliall  inftance.  Ifaiah  xxxii. 
I.  **  Behold  a  king  fhall  reign  in  righteouf- 
^*  nefs,  ^d  princes  fliall  rule  in  judgment." 
Chap,  xxxiii,  5,  6.  "  The  Lord  is  exalted: 
"for  he  dwelleth  on  high,  he  hath  filled 
*'  Zion  with  jvidgment  and  righteoufnefs ; 
**  and  wifdom  and  knowledge  fhall  be  the 
•*  ftability  of  thy  times,  and  ftrength  of 
**  falvation."  Chap,  xxviii.  5,  6.  '*  Jn  that 
**  day  fhall  the  Lord  of  hofts  be  for  a  crown 

^'  o£ 


§4  On  the  Nature  and  UJefnlnefs 

"  of  glory,  and  for  a  diadetn  of  beauty 
^'  iV^to  the  refidue  of  his  people:  and  for  a 
^'  fpirit  of  judgment  to  him  that  fitteth  in 
^'  judgment,  and  for  ftrength  to  them  that 
-^'  turn  the  battle  to  the  gate."  Our  Lord 
and  Saviovir  Jefus  Chrift,  Matt,  xviii.  15, 
16,  17,  18.  clearly  direcfts  his  followers  how 
to  proceed  in  the  exercife  of  difcipline  and 
good  order,  both  wath  refpe(5l  to  individuals, 
and  to  the  church ;  he  allured  them,  that 
whatfoever  of  this  kind  is  done  under  divine 
direction  upon  earth,  fhall  be  ratified  and 
confirmed  in  heaven.  Chap.  xix.  28.  he  pro- 
mifes  fuch  who  have  followed  him  in  the 
regeneratioii,  that  they  fhall  be  exalted  in 
his  kingdom,  fitting  upon  thrones  to  judge 
and  govern  his  people.  We  find  among  the 
eminent  gifts  of  the  fpirit,  Paul  reckons 
helps  in  government^  i  Cor.  xii.  28.  In  chap, 
the  5th,  he  blames  that  church  very  highly 
for  their  neglepl  of  pradifing  found  judg- 
pient  in  the  way  of  difcipline,  fhewing  thern 
the  neceffity  of  putting  thofe  guilty  of  corr- 
rupt  pradliees  out  of  the  community,  left 
as  a.  leaven  they  fhoiild  aff^<n:  the  whole 
lump.  Verfe  11,  he  points  out  how  unfafe 
it  was  for  the  Lord's  people  to  have  any  fo- 
ciety  w4th  the  workers  of  iniquity.  Verfe 
12  and  13,  that  it  is  the  church's  duty  to 
judge  thofe  that  are  within,  viz.  her  own 
members,  leaving  the  judging  pf  thofe  that 
are  without  to  God.  In  chap,  the  6th,  he 
blames  them  as  fharply  for  goings  law  one 

with 


of  Chrlflian  BiJdpVtne.  Sf 

with  another  before  the  iinjuft,  fhewing  that 
it  would  have  been  better  they  had  fulFered 
themfelves  to  have  been  defrauded,  and  that 
every  matter  of  difference  or  controverfy 
{hould  be  judged  and  determined  by  the 
church,  in  regard  to  its  own  members. 

•  A  rehgious  fociety,  gathered  by  God's 
power,  who  have  received  diverfities  of  gifts 
^nd  quahfications,  are  confidered  as  a  body 
properly  tempered  by  their  holy  head  (who 
is  perfect  in  wifdom)  that  it  may  well  exifl 
by  pure  laws,  rules,  and  comely  orders, 
both  within  and  without  5  for  the  maintain- 
ing whereof  every  member  hath  its  proper 
office  and  ftation  wherein  it  is^to  adi,  yet 
only  by  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Head^  who  is 
known  ever  to  prelide.  over  his  hiimble  de- 
pendent people,  a  prefent  help  in  the  ueed- 
ful  time,  fupplying  all  their  wants,  as  they 
wait  his  time. 

^.-Pertinent  to  this  is  Eph.  iv.  15,  16.  *'  But 
f'  fpeaking  the  truth  in  love,  may  grow  up 

*  •  into  him  in  all  things^  which  is  the  head, 
^'  even  Chrift,  from  whom  the  v/hole  body 

fitly  joined  together,  and  c(&mpa(5led  by 
that  which  every  joint  fupplieth,  accord- 
ing to  the  effedlual  working  in  themeafuxe 
of  every  part,  maketh  increafe  of  the  bo- 
dy, unto  the  edifying  of  itfelf  in  love." 
The   apoftle,    in    i   Cor.    xii.    with   great 
ftrength  of  reafon  and  perfpicuity,  Iheweth 
the  diverfities  of  gifts,  differences  of  admi- 
niftrations  and  operation?,  all  by  the  fame 

fpirit^ 


cc 


(C 


86  On  the  Nature  and  XJfefuhiefs  < 

fplrit,  who  worketh  in  all  as  he  will ;  that 
notwithftanding  this  variety,  all,  and  of 
all  forts,  are  baptized  into  one  body,  and 
made  to  drink  into  one  fpirit ;  he  fays,  verfe 
14.  *'  For  the  body  is  not  one  member, 
*'  but  many;'*  and  flieweth  they  are  all  ufe- 
ful  to  and  dependent  upon  one  another, 
therefore  none  have  a  right  to  apprehend 
fuch  a  felf-fufEciency,  as  to  be  independent 
of  other  members;  nay,  that  thofe  members 
af  the  body,  which  feem  to  be  more  feeble, 
are  ufeful.  The  near  union,  harmony,  and 
fympathy  of  this  glorious  body,  is  let  forth 
in  verfe  26.  "  And  whether  one  member 
**  fuffer,  all  the  members  fuffer  with  it;  or 
"one  member  be  honoured,  all  the  mem- 
*'  bers  rejoice  with  it," 

For  brevity's  fake,  I  forbear  at  prefent 
making  more  quotations  on  this  lubje(5t. 
Thefe  are  fuiEcient  to  demonftrate  fully  the 
ftrong  obligation  all  baptized  members  arc 
under,  rightly  to  underftand  their  places  in 
the  body,  and  to  come  up  in  a  faithful  dif- 
charge  of  their  duty  therein,  as  in  the  fight 
of  God,  to  whom  they  muft  be  accountable. 
And  it  likewife  appears  that  every  member, 
entered  as  fuch  by  his  or  her  voluntary  con- 
fent,  is  ftridlly  bound  to  keep  and  maintain 
the  eftablilhed  rules  of  that  body ;  the  breach 
of  which  not  only  renders  him  or  her  guilty 
in  God's  fight,  but  alfo  accountable  to  the 
body.  It  alfo  behoves  this  body,  imme- 
■diately  upon  the  tranlgreffion  of  its  rules 

and 


of  Chrijiian  Difcipline,  87 

and  orders,  to  exert  itfelf  in  dealing  with 
tranfgreflbrs,  and  to  adminifter  found  judg- 
ment, in  order  to  reftore  them;  or,  on 
failure  of  fuccefs  in  that,  to  difown  or  re- 
fufe  to  have  unity  with  fuch,  and  to  let  the 
world  know  they  are  not  of  their  body; 
that  the. reputation  thereof  may  be  preferved 
amongft  thofe  which  are  without,  as  well  as 
for  its  own  peace  and  fafety  within;  feeing 
by  a  negledl  hereof,  others  may  be  infedled 
by  the  corrupt  member,  and  his  evil  may 
fpread  in  the  body  like  a  leprofy ;  but  that 
which  is  the  mod  affecting,  the  Lord  may 
be  provoked  to  withdraw  from  that  body 
which  negledls  the  exercife  of  true  judgment 
againfl  evil ;  as  in  the  cafe  of  Achan,  Jofhua 
vii,  and  alfo  that  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin^ 
Judges  xix  and  xx. 

It  is  too  obvious  to  be  denied,  that  the 
profeflbrs  of  chriftianity,  by  lofing  the  pow-> 
^  and  life  of  religion,  loft  the  true  fpirit  of 
difciplii;e  and  good  order  in  their  churches. 
Inftead  of  which,  they  have  fubftituted  rules, 
orders,  and  canons,  &c,  of  their  own  in- 
vention, principally  calculated  to  fupport 
that  power  by  which  the  clergy  (fo  called) 
got  their  wealth,  and  by  which  they  have 
procured  them  to  be  enforced  where  they 
judged  neceffary  by  human  law.  The  pre- 
fent  ftate  of  church  government  appears  to 
be  truly  deplorable,  amongft  mofl  of  the 
divided  parts  of  chriftian  profeiTors  tl>at  I 
know  of;    confequently  they,  are,  in  a  very 

corrupted 


88  On, the  Nature  and  Ufefulne/s 

corrupted  ftate,  greatly  lacking  that  judg- 
ment and  righteoufnefs  which  was  to  fill  Si^ 
on,  and  the  wifdom  and  knowledge  which 
was  predided  would  be  the  liability  of  her 
ti'mes. 

Cave  and  King,  in  their  primitive  chrif- 
tianity,  clearly  fliew,  from  the  writings  of 
many  of  the  ancients,  particularly  for  the 
firft  three  hundred  years  after  Chrift,  that 
much  care  and  zeal  were  maintained  to  pre- 
serve the  church  clean  and  pure  by  a  whole- 
fome  difcipline. 

King  fliews,  that  not  only  the  teachers, 
but  the  whole  church  were  concerned  and 
adlive  in  dealing  with,  receiving  fatisfadlion 
from,  or  finally  cenfuring  people  in  com- 
mon ;  and  alfo  that  no  teachers  were  fet  over 
them,  but  only  fuch  as  the  whole  church 
unanimoufly  agreed  to  receive ;  and  that  the 
common  people,  generally  called  laity,  were 
equally  concerned  with  others  in  depofing 
and  cenfuring  minifta:'s,  when  they  ceafed 
to  have  unity  with  them,  page  22  to  25, 
and  page  112,  116.  He  and  Cave,  from 
Tertullian,  both  fhew,  that  the  manner  of 
the  primitives  in  giving  judgment  on  fuch 
accounts  was  very  weighty  and  folemn. 
*'  As  amongil  thofe  that  are  fure  that  God 
*'  beholds  what  they  do  (fays  TertulHan) 
*'  this  is  one  of  the  higheft  preludlums  and 
*'  forerunners  of  the  judgment. to  come, 
•*  when  the  delinquent  is  baniflied  from  the 
*'  communion,'*  Sec.  p,  120.  , 

Athenagoras 


of  Chrijlian  Difciplifie,  89 

Athenagoras  told  the  emperors,  that  no 
chriftiaa  could  be  a  bad  man,  imlefs  he  was 
an  hypocrite;  and  Tertullian  openly  de- 
clares, that  when  njien  depart  from  the  dif- 
cipline  of  the  gofpel,  they  fo  far  ceafe 
amongft  us  to  be  accounted  chriftians. 
Cave,  page  95-     \ 

When  at  any  time  invited  to  public  fo- 
lemnities,  as  marriages  and  the  like,  the 
prudence  of  the  church  thought  fit  to  lay 
reftraints  upon  them,  and  to  forbid  them 
light  and  ludicrous  adlions,  as  leaping  and 
dancing ;  but  that  they  fhould  dine  and  fup 
gravely  and  modeftly,  as  becomes  chriflians; 
for  which  he  quotes  a  council  of  Laodicea, 
2d  part,  p.  73.      ... 

They  took  notice  of  all  offences  againfl: 
the  chriftian  law,  any  vice  or  immorality 
that  was  either  public  in  itfelf,  or  rnade 
known  and  made  good  to  the  church.  For 
(fays  Cave)  the  holy  and  good  chriflians  of 
thofe  times  were  infinitely  careful  to  keep 
the  honour  of  their  religion  unfpotted,  to 
ftifie  every  fin  in  its  birth,  and  by  bringing 
offenders  to  public  fliame  and  penalty,  to 
keep  them  from  propagating  the  malignant 
influence  of  a  bad  example.  For  this  reafba 
they  watched  over  one  another,  told  them 
privately  of  their  faults  and  failures^  and 
when  that  would  not  do,  brought  them  be- 
fore the  cognizance  of  the  church.  It  i^ 
needlefs  (fays  he)  to  recko.n  up  particular 
crimes,    when  none  were  fpared.     Cave '3d 

N  parti 


%)6  On  ffje  Nature  md  Vfcfuhefs 

part,  p.  406.  Agreeable  to  the  nature  and 
con'ftitution  of  the  church,  which  as  it 
tranfadls  only  in  fpiritual  mattei's,  ib  it 
could  inflicl  no  other  than  fpiritual  cenfures 
and  chaftifements,  p.  408.  The  common 
and  {landing  penalty  they  made  ufe  of  was 
excommunication,  or  fufpenfion  from  com- 
munion with  the  church;  the  cutting  off 
and  caftingrout  an  offending  perfon,  an  in- 
fecled  member;  till  by  repentance  and  whole- 
fome  difcipllne  he  was  cured  and  reftored ; 
ftnd  then  he  was  re- admitted  into  church 
fociety,   p.  410. 

Cave  relates,  upon  the  authority  of  Julius 
Caefar,  that  this  manner  of  difcipline  was 
commonly  praflifed  amongft  the  ancient 
Druids,  who,  when  any  of  the  people  be- 
came irregular  and  diforderly,  they  prefently 
fufpended  them  from  their  facrifices;  and 
thofe  thvTS  fufpended  were  accounted  in  the 
number  of  the  moft  impious  and  execrable 
perfons :  all  men  flood  off  from  them,  fliun- 
ned  their  company  and  converfe  as  an  in- 
fection and  plague,  p.  41 1. 

Penitents,  before  they  were  received  into 
unity,  made  open  confeiTion  of  their  faults ; 
this  being  accounted  the  very  fpring  of  re- 
pentance, and  without  which  they  concluded 
it  could  not  be  real.  ''  Out  of  confeffion 
*'  (fays  Tertuliian)  is  born  repentance,  and 
"  by  repentance  God  is  pacified;"  and 
therefore  without  this  neither  riches  nor  ho- 
nour would  procure  any  admiflion  into  the 

church 


of  Chrijiian  Difciplhk.  9I 

fhurch:  a  remarkable  inftance  whereof  was 
in  the  emperor  Theodofius  the  Great,  who, 
for  his  bloody  and  barbarous  flaughter  of 
the  Theffalonians,.  was  by  Ambrofe  biPxiop 
of  Milan  fufpended,  brought  to  public  con- 
feffion,  and  forced  to  undergo  a  fevere  courfe 
pf  penance  for  eight  months  together;  at 
length,  after  he  had  palfed  through  abun-' 
dance  of  forrow,  with  tears  and  great  la-^ 
mentation  for  his  fin,  he  was  admitted  into 
fellowihlp  again,  p.  418,  419.  Sq  wifely 
(fays  Cave)  did  the  prudence  a,nd  piety  of 
thofe  times  deal  with  oflendert?,  neither  let- 
ting the  reins  fo  loofe,  as  to  patronize  pre- 
•^lumption,  or  encourage  any  to  fin;  nor  ye^ 
holding  them  fo  ftrait,  as  to  drjve  mea  into 
defpair,  p.  429. 

Very  forward  .and  acllve  have  profeffors 
been,  and  ftill  are,  in  heaping  up  ofte rings, 
by  performing  what  they  call  religious  du- 
ties, whilit  practical  virtue  has  been  fliame- 
fully  neglected.  Multitudes  profelTing  faith 
in  Chrill,  and  accounted  members  of  his 
church,  are  fufFered  to  remain  without  con-? 
troul  or  rebuke  in  various  fins  and  polluti- 
ons, to  the  great  fcandal  of  the  chriftian 
name;  fo  that  it  "may  be  faid  iniquity  runs 
down  amongit  them  like  a  mighty  ilream  or 
torrent,  carrying  all  in  a  manner  before  it. 
What  painful  apprehenfions  muft  fill  the 
minds  of  thoughtful  parents  refpedting  their 
offspring,  when,  morally  fpeaking,  no 
9ther  qan  b^  exped;ed  th^n  t|ia.t  they  will  b^ 

C.:^rriedi 


9*  On  the  Nature  and  Vfefubiejs^ 

carried  away  thereby  to  everlafling  deftruG- 
tion!  Oh!  that  it  were  rightly  confidered  by 
all  chriftian  profeffors,  that  obedience  is  bet- 
ter than  facrifices  or  offerings,  and  to  heark- 
en unto  the  voice  of  God,  in  putting  away 
the  evil  of  their  doings  from  before  his  eyes, 
is  better  than  the  fat  of  rams.  To  what 
purpofe  is  the  multitude  of  their  facrifices  or 
offermgs,  whilft  the  moft  weighty  matters 
of  the  law  of  God  are  negle6led  ?  viz.  judg- 
ment, mercy,  and  faith;  even  that  faith 
which  is  produftive  of  good  works.  Let 
them  carefully  ponder  in  their  hearts  what 
the  Lord  by  his  prophet  hath  declared, 
Amos  V.  21,  32,  23,  24.  "  I  hate,  1  defpife 
*'  your  feafl-days,  and  I  will  not  fmell  in 
•'  your  folemn  affemblies.  Tho'  ye  offer 
*'  me  burnt-offerings,  and  your  meat-offer- 
*'  ings,  I  will  not  accept  them:  neither  will 
*'  I  regard  the  peace-offerings  of  your  fat 
*'  beads.  Take  thou  away  from  me  the 
*'  noife  of  thy  fongs,  for  I  will  not  hear  the 
*'  melody  of  thy  viols.  But  let  judgment 
*'  run  down  as  waters,  and  righteoufnefs  as 
*'  a  mighty  ftream."  Man  is  apt  to  begin 
at  the  wrong  end,  or  where  he  fhould  finifh ; 
prefuming  to  perform  worihip  and  fervice  to 
his  Maker  before  he  is  in  a  fit  condition  to 
be  accepted;  as  a  Being  of  infinite  parity 
will  not  fo  much  as  look  towaids  him  in 
that  i^nic^  whilft  he  hath  any  fellowlhip 
with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darknefs,  qi- 
tthex  in  l;im(clf  or  others.     For  the  Lord  wiU 

be 


of  Gbrijltan  Difciplhte,  93 

1>e  fandlified  in  all  them  that  come  nigh 
him.  He  is  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
iniquity  with  any  aflent  or  approbation. 
The  contrary  of  which  would  be  implied, 
if  man  was  fufFered  to  prefent  his  offerings 
"whillt  in  a  defiled  ftate.  The  fame  that  I 
have  here  faid  concerning  the  acceptance  or 
non-acceptance  of  individuals,  is  true,  and 
will  hold  good,  in  regard  to  churches,  and 
countries  or  nations.  Oh,  then !  how  great- 
ly it  behoves  all  who  would  Hand  approved 
in  God's  fight,  to  exert  their  utmofl  care 
and  diligence  in  judging,  condemning,  and 
fupprefllng  evil  of  all  kinds,  fir  ft  in  them- 
felves,  and  then  in  every  branch  of  the 
community,  as  far  as  lies  in  their  power. 

I  Ihall  now  proceed  to  ihe\^,  that  when 
the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  reftore  chriftianlty 
in  its  primitive  purity  and  power,  which 
ivas  in  the  laft  century,  church-government, 
good  order,  and  wholefomq  difcipline  was 
alfo  rettored  amongft  an  humble,  fclf-deny- 
ing  people,  who  were,  as  God's  people  in 
all  ages  have  been,  much  defpifed,  reviled, 
and  perfecuted.  Yet,  through  all  the  hea- 
thenifh  rage  of  their  adverfaries,  the  rifing 
up  of  the  rulers  of  the  eartTi  againft  them, 
and  the  people  imagining  vain  things  con- 
cerning them,  their  bands  were  not  broken, 
nor  their  cords  caft  away.  They  faw  holi'- 
nefs  was  the  Lord's  delight,  and  promoted 
it  with  all  diligence  amongft  mankind  in 
general,  but  more  eip-ei.Uly  amongft  them- 

felves. 


^4  Oil  the  Nature  and  Ufefuhiefs 

felves.  The  Lord,  who  at  firft  raifed  chofen 
inftruments,  and  fent  them  forth  into  the 
world,  which  was  as  a  briery  thorny  wil- 
i^ernefs,  wonderfully  blelTed  their  ardent  la- 
bours with  increafe,  fo  that  in  a  few  years  a 
large  number  of  churches  were  planted 
(even  ainidft  all  the  rage  and  fury  before- 
mentioned)  and  quietly  fettled  and  eftablifli- 
cd  under  the  teachings  of  his  fpirit  in  their 
hearts.  Hereby  they  grew  up  in  wifdom 
and  ftaturc,  and  in  proceis  of  time  clearly 
faw,  in  the  divine  light,  that  they  mutl 
form  themfelves  into  an  orderly  body,  to  be 
governed  under  fuch  regulations  as  would 
p\it  them  in  the  beft  capacity,  as  a  religious 
Ibciety,  of  glorifying  God,  and  being  the 
mod  ufefu]  to  one  another,  as  members  of 
the  fame  body  ;  and  that  alfo,  by  being  em- 
bodied and  diiciplined  as  an  army  with  ban- 
ners, they  mfght  make  a  firm  (land  againft 
every  appearance  of  evil,  with  their  united 
ftrength,  under  the  Captain  of  their  falva- 
tion. 

Divine  wifdom  was  wonderfully  with 
thofe  worthies  iirfc  fent  and  engaged  in  this 
blefled  work,  directing  their  fteps  with  true 
judgment,  as  well  as  opening  the  minds  of 
a  numerous  people,  of  various  growths,  to, 
receive  the  manner-  and  form  of  government 
and  order,  which  thofe  of  the  cleared  fight 
difcovered,  in  the  light  of  truth,  to  be  beft 
adapted  to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and 
the  preferv?ttion  of  his  church  and  people. 


ef  Clmjilan  Dlfcipline.  9J 

Yet  there  were  fome  oppofers  (as  in  the  pri- 
mitive times)  even  of  their  own  body  or  fo- 
erety;  men  of  perverfe  fpirits,  who  troubled 
the  church  for  a  time  with  htigious  jangling, 
and  corrupt  difputations.  But  the  Lord, 
who  knows  how  to  put  a  flop  to  the  rage  and 
cunning  devices  of  the  enemies  of  his 
church,  brought  a  blall  upon  them,  which 
hath  expofed  the  names  of  the  leaders,  and 
will  continue  to  expofe  them  through  ages 
and  generations  to  come.  Thus  the  faithful 
w^ere  enabled  to  carry  on  this  great  work, 
defigned  for  the  defence  and  prefervation  of 
God's  people,  in  defiance  of  all  thofe  San- 
ballats,  Toblahs,  and  Gefliems,  which  were 
permitted  to  rife  up  again  if  them  and  their 
godly  undertaking. 

Great  w^Wdom  may  be  difcerned  by  thofe 
€yes  only  which  the  Lord  hath  opened,  111 
his  thus  ranking  and  placing  his  people,  = 
that  they  might  ftand  in  fuch  a  fituation  as 
to  be  really  true  help-mares  in  Chrifl  Jeihs 
our  Lord  and  holy  head;  the  ftrong  bearing 
and  helping  the  infirmities  of  the  weak, 
fupporting  one  another  in  that  which  is 
good,  judging  down  all  of  a  contrary  nature 
to  it,  in  every  rank  and  flation ;  none  daring 
to  be  above  admonition,  but  rather  efleem- 
ing  it  a  mark  of  love  and  fincere  regard, 
that  otliers  extend  care  over  them ;  agreeable 
to  I  Thefl.  V.  12,  13,  14.  "  And  we  be- 
*'  feech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them  wliich 
*'  labour  among  vou,  and  are  over  you  in 

"  the 


g6  On  the  Nature  arid  UfefiiJnefs 

*'  the  Lord,  and  adinonifli  you;  and  t6 
*'  efteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for  their 
*'  work's  fake:  and  be  at  peace  among  yo\ir^ 
*'  felves.  Now  we  exhort  yon,  brethren^ 
*'  warn  them  that  are  \mruly,  comfort  the 
"  feeble-minded,  fupport  the  weak,  be  pa- 
**  tient  toward  all  men." 

What  an  inexpreflible  favour  it  is  to  be 
even  oue  of  the  lead  members  of  this  body, 
or  branch  of  the  heavenly  Father's  family, 
where  {o  great  help  and  edification  may  be 
received  from  thofe  of  greater  growth  and 
maturity  than  themfelves.  On  the  other 
hand,  what  high  fatisfadlion  it  affords  the 
fathers  and  mothers  in  Ifrael,  to  fee  the 
children  and  weaklings  of  the  flock  of  teach- 
able difpofitions,  and  carefully  endeavouring 
to  walk  according  to  the  truth.  Some  are 
made  of  God  as  faviours  upon  mount  Sion, 
and  as  watchmen  upon  her  walls,  anpinted. 
and  appointed  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  to  watch 
over  the  flock  of  Chrifl:,  as  thofe  that  muft 
give  an  account,  whofe  excellent  fervices 
may  jaftly  entitle  them  to  the  application  of 
that  copious  elegant  language,  wherewith 
Job  fets  forth  what  he  had  done  ih  the  time 
of  his  profperity.  Job  xxix.  13,  14,  15,  16. 
*'  The  bleffmg  of  him^  that  was  ready  to 
*'  perifli  came  upon  me;  and  1  caufed  the 
"  widow's  heart  to  flng  for  joy.  I  put  on 
*'  righteoufneis,  and  it  clothed  me:  my 
'•  jiidgiUwUt  was  as  a  robe  and  a  diadem,  f 
*•  was  eye5  to  the  blind,  and  feet  was  I  to 

''  the 


of  Chrlflian  Di/ciplihe.  fff 

^^  the  lame.  I  was  a  father  to  the  poors 
*'  and  the  caufe  which  I  knew  not  I  fearch- 
^^  ed  out.'* 

Elders  ruling  thus  in  the  church  are  in- 
deed worthy  of  double  honour,  whether 
they  labour  in  the  word  and  docftrine  or  not  5 
being  fuch  as,  agreeable  to  Peter's  advice,  i 
Pet.  V.  2,  3,  4.  *'  Feed  the  flock  of  God 
which  is  among  you,  taking  the  overfight 
thereof^  not  by  conftraint,  but  willingly ; 
not  for  filthy  lucre,  but  of  a  ready  mind; 
neither  as  being  lords  over  God's  heritage^ 
but  being  enfamples  to  the  flock.  And 
when  the  chief  fliepherd  fliall  appear,  ye: 
fliall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fad^h 
not  away." 
It  is  of  the  utrnofi:  confequence,  that  the 
members,  who  conftitute  the  church  of 
Chrift,  be  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
true  fpring  of  motion  and  adiion  therein^ 
left  any  fliould  prefumptvioufly  conceive  or 
imagine,  that  feeing  church  government 
carries  much  the  appearance  of  outward 
oeconomy  and  civil  proceeclingSj  human, 
abilities,  natural  and  acquired,  are  fuflicient: 
to  manage  the  fame.  If  any  fall  into  fuch 
a  dangerous  error,  it  muft  be  for  want  of* 
duly  coniidering  the  nature  of  the  work  to 
be  engaged  in ;  it  being  no  other  than  what 
appertains  to  the  fpiritual  kingdom  of  Chrift, 
and  the  promotion  thereof  on  earth :  which 
kingdom  man  by  nature  cannot  lee  nor  un- 

derrtand^ 
O 


gS  On  the  Nature  and  Vfefutnefs 

dcrftand.^  And  it  is  written,  '^  the  world 
*'  by  wifdom  knew  not  God.|'*  Therefore 
they  cannot  know  his  kingdom,  nor  how  to 
acl  properly  therein,  under  the  Supreme 
Hca(}^,  whom  tliey  know  not. 

'To  be  capable  of  adling  rightly  in  the  dif- 
cipline  of  the  church,  man  muft  be  born  of 
the  fpirit,  or  from  above,  and  receive  a  qua- 
lification from  the  Holy  Ghoft  for  that  work. 
Such  arc  the  only  qualified  perfons  for  main- 
taining good  order  in  the  churches,  whether 
young,  old,  or  middle-aged,  male  or  fe- 
male, and  Ihould  be  regarded  as  thofe  who 
are  fet  over  others  in  the  Lord.  Thefe  are 
feen  and  efteemed  highly  in  love  for  their 
work's  llike,  by  the  difcerning  in  the 
church,  tho'  they  may  be  of  a  low  degree; 
yet,  being  alive  in  the  truth,  they  can  favour 
the  things  that  be  of  God,  conveyed  to  them 
through  thefe  favoured  inftruments ;  and 
alio  reje6l  the  things  which  be  of  men,  when 
intruded  into  God's  work;  becaufe  the  inno-i 
cent  life  raifed  up  in  them  is  burdened  and 
grieved  therewith. 

Nothing  can  more  afflict  the  fouls  of  fuch, 
than  the  darkening  counfel  by  a  multitude 
of  words  without  knowledge.  We  may  fee 
none  were  properly  qualified  to  judge  a,nd 
govern  outward  Ifrael,  unlefs  gifted  of  God 
for  that  purpofe.  We  find  they  were  to  have 
God  for  their  king;  and  thofe  whom  he 
raifed  up  by  his  immediate  power,    to  be 

their 

f  Matt.  Hi.  3.         f  I  Cor,  i.  2i» 


of  Chrijlian  Difcipline,  99 

their  judge-s  under  him,  (herein  a  perfedl 
pattern  of  the  chriPdan  church)  until  they 
impioufly  rejected  a  government,  than  which 
none  could  be  attended  with  more  eafe,  fe- 
curity,  and  comfort,  that  they  might  be  hke 
other  nations,  that  is,  to  be  more  left  to^ their 
own  power  and  pohcy,  and  to  be  lefs  de- 
pendent upon  God.  Whilft  they  looked  to 
the  Lord  for  judgment,  aid,  and  proteclion^ 
fee  liow  wonderfully  he  provided  for  them, 
Mofes,  Aaron,  and  Miriam  in  Egypt, 
through  the  Red  Sea,  and  in  the  wiidernefs. 
To  the  help  of  whom  the  Lord  alfo  raifed  a 
large  number  of  inferior  judges,  upon  whom 
he  pvit  his  fpirit,  as  an  effential  qualification.^ 
it  would  be  needlcfs  to  be  very  particular, 
in  {hewing  how  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  raife 
many,  and  to  put  his  fpirit  upon  them,  un- 
der the  blelTed  influence  and  ftrength  where- 
of they  wrought  wonders  for  the  reformati- 
on, deliverance,  and  protection  of  his  peo- 
ple: as  Jofhua,  Othniel,  Deborah,  and  Ba- 
rak, Gideon,  Jephthah,  Samuel,  David, 
Solomon,  Nehemiah,  &c.  and  when  the  peo- 
ple perceived  the  fpirit  of  God  was  upon 
them,  they  joined  fuch  with  alacrity  in  God's 
work,  out  of  faithful  fubjedion  to  that  of 
God  in  and  upon  them,  and  not  to  them  as 

Very  remarkable  is  the  humility  and  ho- 
ned upright  petition  of  Solomon,  which 
doth  amply  difcover  the  ftate  of  mind  luch, 

mud 

*  Numb,  xi,  25,  a6i 


f  00  On  the  Nature  and  Ufefubiefs 

mull  be  brcKight  into,  who  are  favoured 
with  fuitable  ablUty  to  judge  and  govern  in 
the  church  of  Chrift.  ''  In  Gibeon  the 
*'  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  in  a  dream  by 
^'  night:  and  God  faid,  Afli  what  I  fhall 
''  give  thee.  He  faid,  O  Lord  my  God, 
^*  thou  haft  made  thy  fervant  king  inftead 
"  of  David  my  father;  and  I  am  but  a  ht- 
■'  tie  child;  I  know  not  how  to  go  out  or 
*'  come  in.  Give  therefore  thy  fervant  an 
^'  underftanding  heart  to  judge  thy  people, 
^'  that  I  may  difcern  between  good  and  bad: 
**  for  who  is  able  to  judge  this  thy  fo  great 
^'  a  pebple?*" 

Pertinent  hereunto  is  the  ardent  concern 
raifed  in  Nehemiah's  mind  for  the  welfare  of 
God's  people  and  city ;  the  deep  anguifii  of 
his  foul  (though  in  the  midft  of  worldly  af- 
fluence $)  Jiis  earneft  and  humble  prayer  to 
God ;  the  manner  of  aildrefling  king  Artax- 
erxes  upon  that  mournful  occafion  concern- 
ing the  defolate  ftate  of  Jerufalem,  and  hi-s 
whole  proceeding  in  that  godly  undertaking 
pf  raifing  the  walls  of  that  city,  &c.  Much 
might  be  wrote  to  fhew  tlie  great  analogy 
hereof  with  the  maintaining  of  the,  hedge, 
or  wall  of  difcipline  and  good  order  in  the 
chriftian  church,  as  a  defence  from  danger- 
ous enemies;  but  I  hope,  as  the  light  of 
truth  has  rnercifully  arifen,  and  peoj^le's 
minds  are  confiderably  illuminated  thpxby, 
^lere   is    not  fo  much    neceffity  (efpccially 

amongft 

*  I  JCings  iii.  5,  ^,  g. 


of  Chriftian  Difciplins,  icjf 

amongft  tis)  to  convince  them  in  general 
wi)^t  is  truth  in  thefe  refpecl^,  as  to  remind 
them  of  their  duty,  that  pradice  may  keep 
pace  with  knowledge ;  for  which  end  ftiort 
hints  may  in  a  good  degree  anfwer. 

I  might  alfo  draw  much  more  from  the 
precious  doftrine  and  experience  of  God's 
people,  recorded  in  holy  writ,  concurring 
to  eftabUfli  the  truth  of  what  I  have  advanc- 
ed concerning  the  outward  order,  govern- 
ment, and  beautiful  difcipline  of  the  church, 
which  is  the  kingdom  of  Chrift,  wherein  the 
fan6lified  of  God  are  as  fiibordinate  kings 
and  priefts;  which  is  thus  exprefled,  Dan. 
vii.  21,  22.  ''  I  beheld,  and  the  fame  horn 
*'  made  war  wuth  the  faints,"  (viz.  the 
power  of  antichrift  in  the  form  of  a  church, 
with  orders  and  rules)  *'  and  prevailed 
"  againft  them,  until  the  ancient  of  days 
*^  came,  and  judgment  was  given  to  the 
*'  faints  of  the  Moll' High,  and  the  time 
*'  came  that  the  faints  polTefled  the  king- 
*'  dom."  Paul  calls  this  dominion  the  faints 
are  to  poffefs,  Eph.  iii.  lo.  ''  Principalities 
*'  and  powers  in  heavenly  places.'*  Oh! 
long  hath  this  wicked  horn  had  the  rule  and 
government  where  the  faints  fliould !  fo  that 
there  hath  been  little  or  nothing  of  the  na- 
ture of  that  excellent  government  which  is 
found  in  the  kingdom  of  Chrift.  There  hath 
bden  no  true  vilion  from  the  prophets,  the 
law  hath  perifhed  from  the  priefls,  and 
Counfel  frona  the  ancients,  Ezek.  vii.  26,  and 

the 


1 02  On  the  Nature  and  Ufefulnefs 

the  glorious  kingdom  of  the  Meffiah  has  for 
many  ages  been  as  it  were  baniflied  from  the 
earth,  or  at  leaft  hid  from  mankind  in  gene- 
ral, as  in  a  wildernefs,  whereinto  the  true 
church  fled,  Rev.  xii.  6.  But  the  Lord  hath 
been  pleafed  in  a  good  degree  to  reilore  again 
the  excellent  order  of  his  houfe  amongft  a 
defpifed  people;  concerning  whom  1  Ihall 
now  endeavour  to  give  fome  account,  by 
way  of  fliort  hints,  of  what  mine  eyes  have 
feen,  mine  ears  heard,  what  I  have  tailed 
and  handled  of  the  good  word  of  life  in  their 
afTemblies ;  more  particularly  as  I  am  now 
upon  that  fubjecl:,  thofe,  according  to  their 
degrees  of  fubordination  (as  the  wifdom 
from  above  hath  placed  them)  called  meet- 
ings for  difcipline,  or  church  order  and  go- 
vernment: which  meetings  I  have  attended 
with  diligence,  as  I  thought  it  my  indifpenf- 
able  duty,  for  about  thirty  years  of  my  time: 
near  the  firft  ten  whereof  I  was  for  the  moft 
part  an  highly  pleafed  and  comforted  fpedla- 
tor  of  the  fweet  harmony  and  comely  order 
of  God's  houfe,  the  love,  fympathy,  and 
care  extended  in  each  branch  thereof  one  to- 
wards another;  in  filent  feeking  the  alfiftance 
of  the  Holy  Head,  that  the  body  might 
edify  itfelf  in  love,  and  the  King  of  faints 
be  known  to  rule  all  that  was  within  us. 
For  when  we  become  members  of  Chrift's 
body,  we  ceafe  to  confider  ourlelves  as  indi- 
viduals only,  but  alfo  as  members  deeply 
interefted  in  the  w^elfare  of  the  body.     Here 


cf  Chrijllan  DifcipUne.  103 

15  an  united  labour  and  travail,  being  all  in 
one  common  intereft. 

I  have  often  beheld  the  awful  Majefty  of 
the  divine  power  amongft  thefe  people,  and 
could  fay  in  humble  admiration,  at  leaft  in 
my  heart,  ''  Cry  out  and  fhout,  thou  inha- 
*'  bitant  of  Zion,  for  great  is  the  Holv  One 
*'  of  Ifrael,  in  the  midft  of  thee!*"  there 
has  been  no  lack  of  any  good  thing  in  the 
camp  of  God.  The  glorious  Lord  hath 
been  indeed  as  places  of  broad  rivers  and 
ftreams,  where  can  go  no  galley  with  oars, 
neither  Ihall  gallant  fliip  pafs  thereby.  For 
the  Lord  was  our  judge,  the  Lord  was  ouf 
lawgiver,  the  Lord  was  our  king,  Ifa.  xxxiii. 
21,  22.  and  therefore  all  the  fpl^^^did  art 
and  invention  of  man  in  religion,  was  to  be 
wholly  laid  afide,  as  Saul's  armour  was  by 
David,  being  concerned  to  go  as  he  did,  in 
the  name  (viz.  the  power  and  dread)  of  the 
Moft  High.  When  I  did  thus  Hand  ftill, 
looking  upon  Sion,  viewing  her  beauty  and 
excellency,  I  have  i^tcn  great  things  done  by 
mean  inftruments  going  forth  againft  their 
enemies  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  only; 
which  hath  caufed  my  foul  to  be  knit  unto 
them,  and  I  loved  them  as  mine  own  fouL 
,This  fight  and  fenfe  of  things  made  me  ex- 
ceeding awful  in  my  mind,  afraid  to  fpeak 
and  adt,  unlefs  I  found  a  well-grounded  aP- 
furance  tbat  the  Lord  required  it  of  me;  by 
feeling  the  weight  of  his  divine  power  upon 

my 
,^Ifaiah  xii,  6. 


1 04         On  the  Nature  and  Ufejulnefi 

my  fpirit,  opening  my  iinderftaading,  and 
guiding  my  judgment,  that  I  might  clearly 
know  what,  v/hen,  and  how  to  fpeak  in  the 
awful  prefence  of  God,  and  before  the 
princes  of  his  people,  tvhofe  words  I  obferv- 
ed,  were  as  goads,  and  as  nails  faftened  by 
the  mafter  of  our  aflemblies,  which  are 
given  from  one  fhepherd. 

Very  pertinent  to  what  I  am  now  upon  Is 
Ecclef.  V,  I,  2,  3.  and  what  indeed  ought  to 
take  deep  impreffion  on  all  thofe  concerned, 
viz,  *'  Keep  thy  foot  when  thou  goeft  to  the 
*'  houfe  of  God,  and  be  more  ready  to 
'*  hear  than  to  give  the  facrifice  of  fools: 
'^  for  they  confider  not  that  they  do  evil. 
**  Be  not  rafh  with  thy  mouth,  and  let  not 
*^  thine  heart  be  hafty  to  utter  any  thing 
*^  before  God:  for  God  is  in  heaven,  and 
*'  thou  art  upon  earth,  therefore  let  thy 
"words  be  few.  For  a  dream  cometh 
*'  through  a  multitude  of  bufinefs,  and  a 
**  fool's  voice  is  known  by  multitude  of 
*'  words."  It  is  plain  from  what  is  before 
noted,  and  much  more  in  holy  writ,  that 
all  the  power  and  wifdom  of  man,  till  it  be 
fubjeded,  fanftified,  and  properly  influenc- 
ed by  a  fupefnatural  principle,  is  wholly 
excluded  from  and  fhut  out  of  the  church  of 
God.  Although  thofe  abilities  are  adequate 
cO,  and  fufEcient  for,  the  things  of  a  man, 
viz.  the  concerns  of  this  life;  (for,  as  faith 
our  Lord,  the  children  of  this  world  are 
ivifer  in  their  generation  than  the  children 

of 


tf  Chrljiian  DifclpUne.  105 

of  light;  yet  the  things  of  God  no  man  can 
know,  confequently  cannot  rightly  a(fl  in 
them,  but  by  his  fpirit.  This  alfo  in  part 
appears  from  what  Elihu  faith.  Job  xxxii. 
7,  8,  9.  *'  I  faid,  days  fliould  fpeak,  and 
multitude  of  years  ihould  teach  wifdom. 
But  there  is  a  fpirit  in  man :  and  the  in- 
fpiration  of  the  Almighty  giveth  them 
underftanding.  Great  men  are  not  al- 
ways wife:  neither  do  the  aged  under- 
ftand  judgment," 
Very  great  hath  been,  and  ftill  is,  the  lois 
of  man,  for  want  of  deeply  underftanding 
this  important  point.  Giving  a  latitude  to 
human  abilities  in  religion,  and  the  concerns 
thereof,  hath  opened  the  door  wide  for  anti- 
chrift  to  become  almoft  an  univerfal  mon- 
arch. It  is  that  by  which  he  hath  got  great 
footing  amongft  all  the  divilions  of  chriftian 
profeifors ;  ours  in  a  forrowful  manner  witl> 
refpedl  to  individuals,  as  well  as  others ;  yet 
a  living  body  are  preferved.  Thefe,  through 
the  divine  blelTmg,  prevent  his  taking  pof- 
feffion  of  the  church,  as  he  has  done  of 
others.  The  eyes  and  cry  of  thefe  are  to 
the  Lord,  whom  they  know  to  be  their  fuf- 
ficiency ;  and  that  unlefs  he  ordain  falvation 
as  walls  and  bulwarks  to  keep  our  city,  ill 
vain  are  all  human  endeavours. 

When  I  have  coafidered  the  low,  indiffer- 
ent, languid  ftate  of  thofe  under  our  name 
in  many  places,  both  in  this  and  other  na- 
tions,   chie.fly  occalioued  by  an  inordinate 

P  love 


tc6  On  the  Nature  and  UJefulnefs 

jove  of  the  world,  and  the  things  thereof,- 
my  foul  hath  been  deeply  humbled  in  awful 
proftration  before  him ;  when  I  have  beheld 
his  wonderful  condefcenfion,  in  ftill  Ihining 
forth  upon  us,  as  from  between  the  cheru- 
bims  of  his  glory,  waiting  to  be  gracious, 
by  turning  again  the  captivity  of  many  of 
his  Ifrael,  and  feekiag  to  rebuild  her  wafte 
places,  and  thereby  to  revive  her  ancient 
beauty.  He  is  pleafed  to  continue  unto  us 
fome  judges  as  at  the  firft,  and  counfellors 
as  at  the  beginning,  tho]  but  feiv  in  nmnber 
when  compared  to  the  bulk.  May  the  great 
Lord  of  the  harveft  raife  many  more  faith- 
ful labourers,  and  fend  them  into  his  har- 
veft, even  fuch  as  are  defcribed  by  the  evan'- 
gclical  prophet  Ifaiah!  '^  The  fiuners  in  Zion 
are  afraid,  fearfulnefs  hath  furprifed  the 
hypocrites:  who  among  us  fhall  dwell 
with  the  devouring  fire?  whoramongftus 
*'  fliall  dwell  with  everlafting  burnings  ?  He 
that  walketh  righteoufly,  and  fpeaketh 
uprightly,  he  that  defpifeth  the  gain  of 
*'  oppreflions,  that  Ihaketh  his  hands  from 
*'  holding  of  bribes,  that  ftoppeth  his  ears 
**  from  hearing  of  blood,  and  fhutteth  his^ 
''  eyes  from  feeing  evil:  he  ihall  dwell  oa 
**;  high:  his  place  of  defence  Ihall  be  tl^e 
*^  mvmitions  of  rocks,  bread  Ihall  be  giyea 
*'  him,  his  waters  Ihall  be  iurc.^'* 

Oh!  hov^  forrowful  it  is,  in  this  and  other 
mtions,    for  the  Lord's  melfengers  to  view 

the 

■*  GJiyp.  xxxiii.   1^,    15,   h'j. 


i€ 


iC 


iC 


of  Chrijlian  Difcipline.  I'o'f^ 

the  great  prevalence  of  unfaitlifulnefs  in* 
Jarge  numbers,  in  moft  branches  of  our 
chriflian  teftimony  !  much  lyhereof  hath 
been  greatly  owing  to  the  laxnefs  of  difci- 
pline.  Thofe  who  fliould  have  been,  above 
ail  other  confiderations,  waiting  for  frefh 
and  renewed  ability  from  God  to  build  his 
houfe,  have  been  moft  of  all  endeavouring 
to  build  themfelves  and  pofterity  uncertain 
houfes  in  earthly  inheritances;  living  at  eafe 
ia  their  ceiled  houfes,  whilft  the  ark  of  the 
teftimony  of  God  hath  been  expofed. 

Dreadful  will  the  account  be  fuch  will> 
have  to  render,  who  have  hid  their  Lord's 
rj\oney  in  the  earth,  having  wrapped  it  in  a 
uapfcin,  viz.  a  decent  form  of  religion.  The 
Lord  hath  opened  eyes  that  fee  them  through 
their  fig-leaf  covering  in  moft  or  all  the  ranks 
of  his  people ;  thoiigh  it  is  much  to  be  feared- 
they  have  clofed  their  own  eyes,  except  to- 
wards the  world.  In  that  they  may  be  clear 
fighted,  it  being  their  kingdom.  Some  of 
thefe  may  prefume  from  their  long  profeftion, 
wherein  perhivps  they  have  taken  care  (as  far 
as  appears  to  man's  eye)  to  preferve  a  repu- 
tation free  from  fpots  or  blemifhes ;  and  they 
alfo  hfiving  a  pretty  large  ftock  of  wealth, 
ii>  the  getting  whereof  they  may  have  not 
only  dried  up  the  tenclernefs  of  religion  in 
themfelves,  but  alio  have  laid  a  foundation 
for  the  ruin  of  their  children,  or  thofe  that 
fucceed  them  in  their  pofreifiorls ;  notwith- 
i^andiug  which,    fome  ftich  may  take  upoi> 


'io8  On  the  lecture  and  UJefuhie/s 

them  to  be  adlive  members  in  the  meetings 
where  they  belong.  Very  lamentable  indeed 
are  the  ftates  of  meetings,  managed  by  fuch 
unfandlified  fpirics.  .The  king  of  Sion  is 
baniflied  from  their  covmcils;  and  the  pre- 
cious fons  and  daughters  thereof  are  but  as 
fufFering  witnejGTes  for  God,  clothed  as  in 
fackcloth;  and  the  feed  of  God,  which 
fhould  have  dominion  in  all  our  meetings,  is 
deprefTed.  I  fuicerely  wifh  there  were  no 
caufe  for  thefe  clofe  remarks ;  a  caution  of 
this  kind  may  be  necellary.  This  fpirit  get- 
ting in  amongft  us,  in  any  part  of  the  body 
or  fociety,  cannot  fail  of  laying  wade; 
therefore  let  all  confider  what  fpirit  rules  in 
them.  Where  fuch  a  fpirit  prevails,  it  is 
fiot  the  wife  woman  building  the  houfe,  but 
the  foolifli  woman  pulling  it  down  with  her 
own  hand* 

It  is  a  mournful  truth,  that  among  the 
many  tlioufands  of  I.frael,  there  are  but  few, 
in  comparifon,  w^ho  really  ftand  quite  up- 
right, as  pillars  in  God's  houfe;  who  can- 
not be  at  all  warped  by  fear,  intereft,  favour, 
or  affection,  but  look  beyond  all  iingly  at 
truth  and  righteoufnefs.  Oh!  what  mean 
cringing,  ftooping,  and  temporizing,  is  to 
be  found  in  ibme!  It  is  my  fon,  daughter, 
near  relation,  or  friend,  that  I  am  loth  to 
offend,  left  i  fliould  ibffer  in  my  intereft  or 
reputation,  or  ftiali  gam  his  or  her  ill  will. 
This  Ipirit  will  never  dwell  on  high,  but 
muft  have  its  portion  amoiigil  the  iearful. 
'■•    ■  ■  and 


cf  Cbrijlian  Difcipliud,  ic<^ 

^ad  the  unbelieving ;  and  unlefs  fuch  repent, 
ihey  will  be  ranked  with  thofe  that  deny 
Chrifl  before  men.  They  may  read  their 
portion,  Luke  xii.  9.  True  zeal  and  found 
jiidgment  is  often  rejected  by  this  fort,  whe- 
ther it  comes  from  individuals,  or  meetings ; 
r^ay  eyen  by  fome,  when  it  is  the  mature  re- 
fult  of  the  largeft  body  under  the  diredliou 
of  the  beft  wifdom,  if  they  do  not  find  it 
agree  with  their  uniknclified  underftandings  \ 
which  would  be  ftrange  if  it  Ihould,  as  it 
comes  from  the  fpirit  of  truth. 

It  may  be  further  obferved,  that  thole 
xyhofe  principal  view  is  only  maintaining  the 
form  or  outward  character  in  religion,  feel 
very  little  or  no  pain  on  account  of  the  dif~ 
orderly  praAices  of  their  fellow- members , 
and  therefore  they  can  eaiiiy  daub  with  un- 
tempered  mortar,  and  fmooth  all  over,  cry- 
ing peace,  before  judgment  has  laid  hold  of 
the  traiifgrefling  part ;  and  all  this  done  un-- 
d^r  the  fpecious  pretence  of  charity  and. 
cUriftian  tenderneis.  Yet  vvhen  any  in  god- 
ly zeal  are  conftrained  to  ihew  the  pernicious 
confequenge  of  healing  the  .wounds  of  the 
daughter  of  Sion  deceitfully,  fome  fuch  foon 
difcover  they  are.  too  much  itrangers  to  true 
charity,  by  their  oppolicioa  to  found  juflg- 
uient,  and  thofe  exerciied  therein,  that  the 
vvound.s  might  be  fearched  to  the  bottom. 
Here  fomething  of  a  perfecuting  fpirit  ap- 
peal^, and  the  bitter  leaven  ot  the  Piiarifee 
it  difco\ crcd,  fuiking  at  the  life  of  xdi^ioii, 

Bucj, 


II o  On  the  Nature  and  UfefulneJ^ 

But,  agreeable  to  the  ufual  craft  of  antU" 
chrift,  they  muft  call  a  godly  concern  and 
labour  by  a  contrary  name,  or  they  could 
not  finite  at  it  with  any  colour  of  reafon. 
Such  honed  labourers  have  fometimes  been 
reprefented  as  enthufiafts,  too  hot  in  their 
:zeal,  diflurbers  of  the  church's  peace,  &c. 
When  there  is  a  peace  in  the  church  with 
■wrong  things,  it  is  much  better  broke  than 
kept.  I  take  it  that  it  was  in  this  fenfe  our 
Lord  faid :  "  I  came  not  to  fend  peace  on, 
*'  earth,  but  a  fword.*"  It  was  a  woeful 
peace  to  Ifrael,  when  they  became  fo  recon- 
ciled to  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  as  to 
fuffer  them  to  dwell  therein,  contrary  to  the 
exprefs  command  of  God! 

When  the  upright  in  heart  cannot  for 
Sion's  fake  hold  their  peace,  their  fpirits  be- 
ing truly  enlightened  to  fearch  Jerufalem,  it 
is  very  dangerous  for  any  to  obftrucl,  op- 
pofe,  or  even  to  difcourage  them  in  fuch  a 
godly  undertaking.  The  voice  of  their  Al- 
mighty Helper  is,  "  Touch  not  mine  anoint- 
**  ed;"  for  he  will  certainly  vindicate  his 
own  caufe  in  their  hands,  and  will  recom- 
pence  any  injury  done  to  it,  or  them,  as  if 
done  to  himfelf;  fo  that  all  had  need  to 
know  well  what  they  do,  and  what  fpirit 
bears  rule  within  them. 

Some  I  have  obferved  very  blind,  fruitlefs, 
and  unfkilful,  who  are  not  quite  upon  the 
fame  bottom  as  thofe  above-mentioned,  but 

wh^^ 
*  Matt.  X.  34. 


of  Chriftian  Dtfcipline.  iil 

■who  differ  from  them  in  the  caufe  of  their 
unfruitful  fituation,  which  arifes  chiefly 
,from  a  grofs  deception  in  themfelves,  and 
for  want  of  abiding  in  that  wherein  they 
could  try  the  fpirit  that  prefents  things  to 
their  minds.  Thefe  have  been  moved  and 
kindled  by  a  falfe  fire,  and  a  zeal  not  duly 
tempered  with  that  knowledge  which  comes 
from  God.  This  proves  a  lore  wounding  to 
the  caufe  of  truth,  where  it  hath  prevailed; 
very  hard  to  judge  down,  becaufe  it  is  com- 
monly very  v/ife  and  right  in  its  own  eyes* 
In  concluding  this  head,  I  am  free  to  exprefs 
an  ardt^it  prayer,  which  hath  filled  mine 
heart  at  times  for  ^  confiderable  number  of 
years,  that  the  Lord  may  be  gracioully  pleaf^ 
ed  greatly  to  increafe  the  number  of  thofe 
amongfl  us,  who  are  made  willing  to  leave 
all,  arjd  to  follow  the  gentle  leadings  of  his 
fpirit,  vs^hitherfoever  he  is  pleaftd  to  lead 
them;  who  prefer  the  welfare,  peace,  and 
profperity  of  the  city  of  God  to  their  chiefs 
eft  joy;  that  truth  and  righteoufnefs  may 
be  fo  exahed  in  every  part  of  the  body,  as 
to  make  all  the  (inners  in  Sion  afraid  indeed : 
for  they  cannot  ftand'in  judgment  when  the 
Lord  arifes  in  majefty  among  his  faints,  nor 
in  the  congregations  of  the  righteous ;  that 
fo  for  very  Ihame  there  might  be  a  cafting 
their  idols  of  filver,  and  their  idols  of  gold, 
to  the  moles  and  to  the  bats.  Ifa.  ii.  20. 

The  fubftance  of  what  is  before  fignified, 
is  doubtlcfs,  an  I  hath  been,  the  fervent  tra- 
vail 


I !  2     On  the  Nature  ^?/i  Vftfulnefsy  ^'t. 

vail  of  many  brethren  and  fifters,  who  are 
deeply  afFe(fled  with  the  prefent  lethargy 
which  prevails,  yet  are  in  the  midft  thereof 
comforted  in  obferving  great  reviving  of  k 
concern,  in  moft  places,  for  ftirring  np  and 
provoking  one  another  to  love  and  to  good 
works;  particularly  in  promoting  difcipline: 
which  if  it  profpers  (as  I  believe  it  will) 
truth  and  righteouinefs  will  prevail  thereby, 
and  Sion  will  enlarge  her  borders,  her  cords 
will  be  lengthened,  and  her  flakes  ftrengthen- 
ed,  and  {he  will  yet  break  forth  on  the  right 
hand  and  on  the  left;  her  feed  will  inherit 
places  which  are  now  defolate.  Therefore 
let  the  tr'U  travellers  for  her  profperity  be 
encouraged ;  for  I  believe  fome  of  them  will 
come  to  fee  the  fruits  of  their  painful  travail, 
and  be  fatisfied.  '  May  all  fuch  keep  their 
habitations  in  a  feeling  fenfe  of  the  Holy 
Head,  whether  in  fuffering  or  rejoicing, 
profperity  or  adverfity!  For,  as  faith  the 
apoftle,  ''  If  we  fuffer  with  Chrift,  we  fhall 
"  reign  with  him,  or  be  glorified  together." 


FINIS, 


.-.« 


I 


